Summary: Guide for catalogers on OCLC local holdings codes in the 049 field, which are associated with MSUL locations and collections and are to be used in OCLC records at the point of cataloging.
About the 049
Though it is not officially part of the MARC21 standard, the 049 code still operates in the MARC record by triggering some important functions at the point of cataloging. It's a 4-character code defined by OCLC for subscriber libraries, and in our case each code identifies one location or collection within the MSU Libraries.
The 049:
generates specific holdings information used by the public WorldCat database and some ILS processes (upon setting holdings)
is used by Sierra to automatically generate the bib record location code (upon export)
this is just a time-saving function for catalogers, so you don't have to edit this data manually after export
Example: Exporting from OCLC with 049 of EEMB results in bib location code of bu in Sierra record
In some cases, the 049 code does not generate the correct Sierra location code, and these must be changed manually in Sierra after export (see chart below)
defaults to EEMR when editing a record in Connexion
is not preserved in the OCLC master record
is retained in the exported record in Sierra
but serves no function in our local database, aside from incidental inventory and reporting purposes
If upon the point of cataloging you include an incorrect 049 code, the consequences are minimal. You will just need to:
remove holdings from the OCLC master record, correct the 049, and reattach holdings
adjust the bib location field in the Sierra record to reflect the correct location in our local catalog
adjust the 049 in the Sierra record to reflect the correct OCLC code
while this step isn't technically necessary for any Sierra functionality, it reduces confusion
Locations & their 049 codes
This is a condensed listing for cataloger reference. For a full chart of all special record codes (049, bib, item, etc.) associated with specific catalog locations, see Location chart.
Online catalog public display
049 field OCLC code
MSU AFRICANA REF, 2 EAST
QEMJ
MSU BIBLIOGRAPHERS:ASK AT DSK
EEM3
MSU BROWSING COLL, 1 EAST
EEMD
MSU BUSINESS LIBRARY
EEMB
MSU CAREER COLL, 1 EAST
QEMF
MSU CESAR CHAVEZ COLL, 1 WEST
QEMN
MSU DIGITAL/MEDIA, 4 WEST
EEM7(old av) QEMI (old so)
MSU FINE ARTS - ART
EEMA
MSU FINE ARTS - MUSIC
EEMM
MSU GOV DOCS, 3 WEST
EEM1
MSU GPO MARCIVE TAPE LOADS
QEMX (fiche) QEMY (print & electronic)
MSU GULL LAKE LIB
EEML
MSU FACULTY BOOK COLL*
EEMR change bib loc from mn to dv in Sierra after export