Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 25X-28X >> 256

256 - Computer File Characteristics (NR)

MARC 21 Bibliographic - Full

February 1999

First Indicator
Undefined
# - Undefined

Second Indicator
Undefined
# - Undefined


Subfield Codes
$a - Computer file characteristics (NR) $6 - Linkage (NR)	$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Characteristics of a computer file, such as the type of file (e.g., Computer programs), the number of records, statements, etc. (e.g., 1250 records, 5076 bytes).

GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING CONTENT DESIGNATORS

■ INDICATORS

Both indicator positions are undefined; each contains a blank (#).

■ SUBFIELD CODES

$a - Computer file characteristics

May include the type of file and the number of records, etc. In records formulated according to ISBD principles, the number of records, statements, bytes, etc. is enclosed in parentheses.


256	##$aComputer data (2 files : 876,000, 775,000 records).
256	##$aComputer programs (2 files : 4300, 1250 bytes).
256	##$aComputer data (2 files : 800, 1250 records) and programs (3 files : 7260, 3490, 5076 bytes).
256	##$aData (1 file : 350 records).

$6 - Linkage

See description of this subfield in Appendix A: Control Subfields.

$8 - Field link and sequence number

See description of this subfield in Appendix A: Control Subfields.

INPUT CONVENTIONS

Punctuation - Field 256 ends with a period.

CONTENT DESIGNATOR HISTORY

Prior to the definition of this field in 1987, file characteristics were recorded in subfield $a of field 300 (Physical Description).

Library of Congress >> MARC >> Bibliographic >> 25X-28X >> 256

(02/22/2008)