Proposing Literary Author Numbers

1. Proposing Literary Author Numbers April 30, 2003 by Melanie Wacker (updated Nov. 3, 2008)

2. Introduction Classification numbers for current literary authors (20th/21st century) are generally not printed in Library of Congress’ classification schedules. In order to keep a consistent shelflist, the class number for a literary author is included in the 053 MARC field of this authors name authority record.

3. Why is this necessary? • When a new class numbers assigned by us is not entered into the 053 MARC field in the authority record, LC or another library might go ahead and establish a different number for the same author. Once a different class number is added in the 053 in the authority record we are confronted with split files in the database and on the shelf.

4. How to assign class numbers for literary authors • Identify the basic class number using the P schedule, preferably using Classification Web • Determine the cutter using the cutter table in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Shelflisting G 060 • Available online: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/053/table.html For basic guidance on assigning literary author numbers see this web site from Tulane University: http://www.tulane.edu/~techserv/litclassintrod.html FOR MORE INFO...

5. Searching the LC Shelflist • Access the LC Catalog at: http://catalog.loc.gov/webvoy.htm • After accessing BASIC SEARCH, click on Call Number Browse (LC Classification No.) • Instructions may be found @ http://catalog.loc.gov/help/call.htm

6. Call number searching • Perform a complete or partial call number search • Partial call number searches often result in a better overview of the shelflist. This is important since we do not only want to verify if the number is already in use, but also that the author sorts correctly in the catalog.

7. In some cases the cutter will have to be adjusted to fit the LC shelflist. In all other cases follow the cutter table EXACTLY, even when there is no conflict with the a different cutter in the LC catalog.

8. Additional OCLC search • A search in OCLC should be performed in order to verify that the same number has not already be assigned to a different author by a NACO library. LC “holds” the class numbers once they have been submitted and approved, meaning such numbers will not show up in the LC shelflist. • Other duplicate numbers, e.g. in minimal level records, can safely be ignored.

9. Call # searching in OCLC • Under Cataloging, select browse, Worldcat • Select “LC class number phrase search” in the lower search box by clicking on the right hand arrow next to the box. • Key in class number, e.g. PS3553.O4783

10. 053 Proposal Form • Fill out our local 053 proposal form. • It is accessible at U:\53 • Once you filled out the proposal save it to U:\053\053inbox

11. Physical processing • Keep one print-out in the book. • Submit the authority record as usual and all PCC records for proofing to Kate Harcourt.

12. What happens then? • Your class number will be proofed and then submitted. • Once the number is approved it will be added to the authority record and the book will be send on to processing. • In some rare cases (e.g. for literary authors b. before 1875 or using pseudonyms) the number will have to be submitted for printing in the P schedule • FAQ about LC Classification numbers in BIBCO records: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/bibco/classfaq.html