----------------------------Original message----------------------------
 
The following was recently posted to OCLC*s System News.
 
In August 1997, LC announced that it would begin to move older language
material atlas records from LC*s Books file to its Maps file on a record by
record basis.  These records are being converted only if they are corrected
for other reasons.  LC has been inputting newly created records for atlases
on the Maps file since June 1996.
 
To ensure that duplicates are not created as the corrected LC records are
loaded into the WorldCat (OCLC*s Online Union Catalog), OCLC ran a scan on
September 16th that converted 17,344 LC atlas records from the Books format
to the Maps format.  OCLC plans to convert approximately 28,000 member-input
atlas records in the near future.
 
The LC records were converted if they contained an atlas classification
number in field 050 (G1000.3-G3122).  LC atlas records that have not been
converted should be reported to OCLC.  These records will contain non-G call
numbers.  We do not expect many of these.  In addition, records entered by
LC prior to 1989 contain indicator values (blank) in field 082 that may
cause validation errors on OCLC if the records are edited.  Users should
correct or delete the field when editing, but not report the error.  OCLC
plans to run a scan to correct the indicator values.
 
The converted records do not contain all the fields that should be present
in records on the maps format.  This is because the fields were either not
valid at the time of input or not required in the Books format.  The records
OCLC converted will only contain scale statements and the geographic
classification code (field 052) if they were entered by LC.  OCLC could not
supply this information in a scan.  In addition, OCLC did not supply field
007.  OCLC did supply the optional 006 field to retain the fixed-field
values from the Books format.  LC corrected records will contain the
appropriate fields for the Maps format when LC issues corrected records.
 
Records being entered by OCLC users into the WorldCat for geographical
atlases should be entered on the Maps format.  For more information on atlas
records see Bibliographic Formats and Standards, FF:73-75.
 
Ellen R. Caplan
OCLC, Inc.
Collections & Technical Services Division
6565 Frantz Rd.
Dublin OH  43017
email:    [log in to unmask]
phone:    800-848-5878
fax:      614-718-7178