Library of Congress >> MARC >> Classification >> Tracings and References

Tracings and References-General Information


MARC 21 Classification
October 2003

"Full" documentation refers to the MARC 21 Format for Classification Data that contains detailed descriptions of every data element, along with examples, input conventions and history sections.

"Concise" documentation refers to the MARC 21 Concise Format for Classification Data that contains abridged descriptions of every data element, along with examples.

Reference fields

253 - Complex See Reference (R) Full | Concise
353 - Complex See Also Reference (R) Full | Concise

Tracing fields

453 - Invalid Number Tracing (R) Full | Concise
553 - Valid Number Tracing (R) Full | Concise

DEFINITION AND SCOPE

A cross reference is used to refer between classification numbers that are constructed according to the classification scheme that is identified in field 084 (Classification Scheme and Edition). It leads from an invalid classification number to a valid classification number or from one valid classification number to another valid classification number. Tracings or reference note fields are used to direct the user to another classification number, often for specific aspects of a topic. Cross reference displays may be generated by combining the contents of a tracing or a reference note field and field 153 (Classification Number) of a record. In some cases the inputting library may provide both a tracing and a reference note field and choose to suppress the tracing for display purposes.

TRACING FIELDS

Tracing fields lead directly from one number to another number. A 453 Invalid Number Tracing field leads from an invalid number to a valid number. A 553 Valid Number Tracing field leads from one valid classification number to another, often for classification of certain topics. Cross reference displays generated from the tracing fields are called simple cross references. In a simple cross reference display, the content of the 453 or 553 field is the number referred from, and, following a reference instruction phrase, the content of the 153 field is the number referred to. In the tracing fields, the reference instruction phrase is associated with a code in subfield $w/0 (Special relationship) and/or subfield $w/1 (Hierarchical relationship). In unusual cases the reference instruction phrase may be carried explicitly in subfield $i (Reference instruction phrase).

084 0#$alcc [Library of Congress Classification]
153 ##$aHD1330$cHD1331$hIndustries. Land use. Labor$hLand tenure$jLandlord and peasant
453 00$wj$aHD1501.2$hIndustries. Land use. Labor$hAgricultural economics$jLandlord
[An invalid classification number in field 453 leads the user to the valid classification number span in field 153.]
 
Cross reference display example:
Industries. Land use. Labor
  Agricultural economics
    Landlord see HD 1330-HD1331
[Note: the invalid number in 453$a may be suppressed for display]

REFERENCE NOTE FIELDS

Reference note fields lead from one classification number to one or more other classification numbers. A reference note field is used when more complex reference instruction is needed than can be conveyed by one or more simple cross references generated from 453 and/or 553 tracing fields. There are two types of reference note fields: 1) see references (field 253), which refer to a classification number in another record and 2) see also references, which guide the user to related topics in other valid classification numbers (field 353).

Cross reference displays constructed from the reference note fields are complex cross references. In a complex cross reference display, the content of the 153 field of a record is the number referred from, and, following a reference instruction phrase, the reference note field contains the number(s) referred to. In the reference note fields, the reference instruction is given as explicit text in subfield $i (Explanatory text).

008/06 b
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.47$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hHeat engineering and prime movers$jSolar-energy engineering
253 2#$iClass engineering of secondary sources of solar energy with the secondary source, e.g., generation of electricity from solar radiation$a621.31244$iwind energy$a621.45
[Reference instruction phrase is explicit in 253 subfield $i]
 
Cross reference display example at 621.47:
621.47         Solar-energy engineering
      Class engineering of secondary sources of solar energy with the secondary source, e.g., generation of electricity from solar radiation 621.31244, wind energy 621.45

GUIDELINES FOR APPLYING CONTENT DESIGNATORS

Guidelines for applying subfield $i (Reference instruction phrase), subfield $t (Topic) and subfield $w (Control subfield) in the 453 and 553 fields and examples of simple cross reference displays are provided in this section. Guidelines for applying the content designators for the classification number and caption portions of the 453 and 553 tracing fields are provided in the X53 Classification Numbers - General Information section.

Guidelines for applying the content designators and examples of complex cross reference displays for fields 253 and 353 are provided in the individual field descriptions.

TRACING FIELDS-SIMPLE CROSS REFERENCES

Simple cross references are generated for display from tracing fields. Displays may vary from one system to the next; those shown below are only suggestions. The content of subfield $i and subfield $w determine the reference instruction phrase used with the tracing. The character positions defined for subfield $w are described here. Subfield $t (Topic) provides additional information about the use of the classification number.

$i - Reference instruction phrase
Special reference instruction phrase that may be used in a cross reference display when the generation of a reference instruction phrase based on a code in control subfield $w/0 is not possible. When a tracing field contains subfield $i, subfield $w/0 contains code i (Reference instruction phrase in subfield $i).
$t - Topic
Topics for which the tracing is appropriate. If the topic is the same as the caption in field 153 (Classification Number), subfield $j (Caption), the topic need not be repeated in subfield $t. However, if the topic is the same as the caption of the number referred to in subfield $j of field 453 or 553, the topic is still contained in subfield $t to facilitate a display of the tracing.
084 0#$alcc [Library of Congress Classification]
153 ##$aTT898.2$hHandicrafts. Arts and crafts$hHome arts. Homecrafts$hDecorative crafts$hFancy articles$jMerry-go-round art
553 0#$wl$aNK5030$cNK5035$hDecorative arts. Applied arts. Decoration and ornament$hOther arts and art industries$jFairground art$tHandicraft of carousel horses
 
Cross reference display example at NK5030-NK5035:
Decorative arts. Applied arts. Decoration and ornament
  Other arts and industries
    Fairground art
      Cf. TT898.2, Handicraft of carousel horses
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a546.8$hNatural sciences and mathematics$hChemistry and allied sciences$kChemistry$hInorganic chemistry$jPeriodic table
553 0#$wk$a541.24$hNatural sciences and mathematics$hChemistry and allied sciences$kChemistry$kGeneral topics in chemistry$hPhysical and theoretical chemistry$hTheoretical chemistry$jAtomic structure$tperiodic table
 
Cross reference display example at 541.24:
541.24    Atomic structure
    Class periodic table in 546.8
$w - Control subfield
Four fixed-position character positions (designated as $w/0, $w/1, $w/2, and $w/3) that indicate whether special instructions apply to the display of the 453 or 553 classification number, whether the reference should be displayed, and whether a field 685 (History Note) is associated with the tracing. Because the definitions of the codes in subfield $w are dependent on the character position in which they occur, the coding of any character position mandates that each preceding character position contains a code or fill character (|); succeeding character positions need not be used. For example, if subfield $w/1 (Hierarchical relationship) is not applicable, but $w/3 (History reference) is, subfield $w/1 must contain code n (Not applicable), and subfield $w/2 must contain either a code or a fill character. If $w/1, $w/2, and $w/3 are not applicable, only $w/0 need be coded.
/0 - Special relationship
One-character alphabetic code that describes a relationship between the classification numbers contained in field 153 and fields 453 or 553. The codes may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase in a cross reference display. If more than one code is applicable, the field may be repeated and the generation of a display of one of the tracings may be suppressed by code a (Reference not displayed) in subfield $w/2 (Reference display).
a - Previous classification number k - Class elsewhere reference
b - New classification number l - See also reference
i - Reference instruction phrase in $i m - Standard subdivisions do-not-use reference
j - See reference n - Not applicable
a - Previous classification number
Classification number in the tracing field is a number previously used for the subject. It directs the user to the currently used number in field 153 (Classification Number). The code may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase such as see also under the new number: in a cross reference display. Field 685 (History Note) may be included in the record to give additional information about the history of the classification number contained in the tracing.
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a332.45$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$hFinancial economics$hMoney$jForeign exchange
453 0#$wahna$a332.454$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$hFinancial economics$hMoney$hForeign exchange$jForeign exchange with a paper standard
685 12$iNumber discontinued; class in$a332.45$d2003$222
b - New classification number
Number in the tracing field entirely supersedes the number contained in field 153. The code may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase such as see also under the previous number: in a cross reference display. If the meaning of the number in field 153 is changed only for certain subjects, this complex information is conveyed in field 685 (History Note). This type of reference might be used by a library that assigns new classification numbers to new books but does not reclassify existing ones when a new edition is published.
084 0#$addc$c19 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a787.1$hThe arts. Fine and decorative arts$hMusic$kIndividual mediums of musical expression$kInstruments and instrumental music$kSpecific instruments and their music$kOther instruments and their music$hString instruments and their music$kSpecific bowed instruments and their music$jViolin
553 0#$wbnna$a787.2$hThe arts. Fine and decorative arts$hMusic$kInstruments and their music$kSpecific instruments and their music$hStringed instruments (Chordophones). Bowed string instruments$jViolins
 
Cross reference display at 787.2:
  See also under the previous number: 787.1
i - Reference instruction phrase in subfield $i
Used in conjunction with subfield $i (Reference instruction phrase) when explicit text is needed that does not fall into any other category.
j - See reference
Number in the tracing field is a simple see reference that guides the user from the number(s) in the tracing field (field 453 or 553) to the number(s) in field 153 (Classification Number). The code may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase such as see or For [topic] see [number].
084 0#$alcc [Library of Congress Classification]
153 ##$zP-PZ1$a499$hTable for languages (900 nos.)$hTranslating$jMachine translating
553 1#$wj$zP-PZ1$a691$hTable for languages$hLexicography$hDictionaries$hOther special lists$jWord frequency lists$tResearch on word frequency, etc., in connection with machine translating
680 #0$iIncluding research
 
Cross reference display example at 691, Table I, P-PZ:
Table for languages (900 nos.)
  Lexicography
    Dictionaries
      Other special lists
        Word frequency lists
          Research on word frequency, etc., in connection with machine translating,
        see P-PZ, Table I, 499
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.45$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hPrime movers and heat engineering$jWind engines
553 0#$wjg$a621.42$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hPrime movers and heat engineering$jStirling engines and air motors
 
Cross reference display example at 621.42:
621.42    Stirling engines and air motors
    For wind engines, see 621.45
k - Class elsewhere reference [553 only]
Topic in subfield $t (Topic) of the tracing field is classed in another number that is not a subdivision of the number in subfield $a (Classification number element-Single number or beginning number of span) of field 553. The code may be used to generate a special instruction phrase such as Class [topic] in [number].
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a331.23$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$hLabor economics$hConditions of employment$jGuaranteed-wage plans
553 0#$wk$a331.2162$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$hLabor economics$hConditions of employment$hCompensation$hMethods of compensation$tTime payments
 
Cross reference display example at 331.2162:
Class Guaranteed-wage plans in 331.23
l - See also reference [553 only]
Number in the tracing field guides the user from the number(s) in field 553 to related topics classed in the number(s) in field 153. The code may be used to generate a special instruction phrase such as Cf. [number] [topic] or see also [number] for [topic].
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a305.562$hSocial sciences$kSpecific topics in sociology and anthropology$hSocial groups$hSocial classes$hLower, alienated, excluded classes$jWorking class
553 0#$wl$a331$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$jLabor economics$tsociology of working class
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a306.36$hSocial sciences$kSpecific topics in sociology and anthropology$hCulture and institutions$kCultural institutions$hEconomic institutions$jSystems of labor
553 0#$wl$a331$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$jLabor economics$tsociology of labor
 
Cross reference display example at 331:
See also 305.562 for sociology of working class; also 306.36 for sociology of labor
m - Standard subdivisions do-not-use reference
One or more standard subdivisions may not be used with the number in the tracing field. The code may be used to generate a special instruction phrase such as Do not use for [topic]; class in [number].
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a331.01$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$hLabor economics$jPhilosophy and theory
553 0#$wmh$a331.011$hSocial sciences$hEconomics$kEconomics of labor, finance, land, energy$hLabor economics$hPhilosophy and theory$jRights and position of labor$tsystems analysis applied to labor economics
 
Cross reference display example at 331.011:
Do not use for systems analysis applied to labor economics; class in 331.01
n - Not applicable
Relationship between the heading in the tracing field and the 153 heading is not one of the special relationships for which other codes are defined in subfield $w/0. A tag related reference instruction phrase such as see or see also may be used in a cross reference display from the related heading. If code n is applicable, subfield $w need not be coded unless a subsequent character position is required.
/1 - Hierarchical relationship
One-character alphabetic code which indicates the nature of the hierarchy when the tracing is for a hierarchical relationship between topics. The codes may be used to generate a special instruction phrase in a cross reference display.
g - Number representing broader topic
h - Number representing narrower topic
n - Not applicable
g - Number representing broader topic
Number in the tracing field represents a broader topic than the number at the preceding level of the caption hierarchy that is contained in field 153 (Classification Number). The code may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase such as see also under the narrower number: in a cross reference display.
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.252$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$kFluid-power technologies$hHydraulic-power technology$hPumps and accumulators$jPumps
553 0#$wjg$a621.69$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jPumps. Pneumatic pumps$thydraulic pumps
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.64$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jHand pumps
553 0#$wjg$a621.69$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jPumps. Pneumatic pumps$thand pumps
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.65$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jReciprocating pumps
553 0#$wjg$a621.69$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jPumps. Pneumatic pumps$treciprocating pumps
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.66$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jRotary pumps
553 0#$wjg$a621.69$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jPumps. Pneumatic pumps$trotary pumps
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a621.67$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jCentrifugal pumps
553 0#$wjg$a621.69$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hEngineering and allied operations$hApplied physics$hBlowers, fans, pumps$kPumps$jPumps. Pneumatic pumps$tcentrifugal pumps
 
Cross reference display at 621.69:
For hydraulic pumps, see 621.252; for hand pumps, see 621.64; for reciprocating pumps, see 621.65; for rotary pumps, see 621.66; for centrifugal pumps, see 621.67
[In this example, subfield $w/0 controls the display, which is for a see reference.]
h - Number representing narrower topic
Number in the tracing field represents a narrower topic than the number at the lower level of the caption hierarchy that is contained in field 153. The code may be used to generate a special reference instruction phrase such as see also under the broader number: in a cross reference display.
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a666.3$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hChemical engineering and related technologies$hCeramic and allied technologies$jPottery
553 0#$wkh$a666.5$c666.6$hTechnology (Applied sciences)$hChemical engineering and related technologies$hCeramic and allied technologies$jSpecific types of pottery$tcomprehensive works
 
Cross reference display at 666.5-666.6:
Class comprehensive works in 666.3
[In this example subfield $w/0 controls the display.]
n - Not applicable
A hierarchical relationship is not applicable to the tracing. If code n is applicable, subfield $w/1 need not be coded unless a subsequent character position is required.
/2 - Reference display
One-character alphabetic code that enables the generation or suppression of a cross reference from a 453 or 553 field.
a - Reference not displayed
n - Not applicable
a - Reference not displayed
Generation of a cross reference display from a tracing field should be suppressed. Code a is used when a 253 or 353 complex reference field contains the reference to be displayed or when it is otherwise not desirable to display the reference.
084 0#$addc$c22 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$a230$c270$hReligion$kChristianity$jSpecific elements of Christianity
553 0#$wnga$a230$c280$hReligion$jChristianity
[The 553 field contains a tracing from a DDC centered entry, or broader number span, which facilitates online browsing.]
n - Not applicable
There is no reference display restriction on the tracing field. If code n is applicable, subfield $w/2 need not be coded unless $w/3 is used.
/3 - History reference
One-character alphabetic code that indicates whether field 685 (History Note) in a record refers to the number in a 453 or 553 tracing.
a - History reference, field 685 used
n - Not applicable
a - History reference, field 685 used
Record contains a field 685 that contains further information about the number in the 453 or 553 tracing field.
084 0#$addc$c21 [Dewey Decimal Classification]
153 ##$z2$a71334$hGeographic Areas, Historical Periods, Persons$kSpecific continents, countries, localities; extraterrestrial worlds$kThe modern world; extraterrestrial worlds$hNorth America$hCanada$hOntario$kSouthern Ontario$hLake Erie region$jElgin County
453 1#$wanna$z2$a71335$hGeographic Areas, Historical Periods, Persons$kSpecific continents, countries, localities; extraterrestrial worlds$kThe modern world; extraterrestrial worlds$hNorth America$hCanada$hOntario$kSouthern Ontario$hLake Erie region$jSt. Thomas
685 10$iRelocated to$z2$a71334$d19960930$221
 
Cross reference display at T2-71335:
--[71335] St. Thomas
  See the new number: T2-71335
  Relocated to -71335
[If desired the tracing may be suppressed for display purposes. The second note about relocation is generated from field 685 (History Note).]
n - Not applicable
Either that the record does not contain field 685 (History Note) or that field 685 refers to the classification number contained in field 153. If code n is applicable, subfield $w/3 need not be coded.

REFERENCE FIELDS-COMPLEX CROSS REFERENCES

Complex cross references are carried directly in records as reference note fields. They are used when relationships exist between classification numbers that cannot be adequately conveyed by one or more simple cross references generated from 453 or 553 tracings. Subfield $i (Explanatory text) contains textual information in field 253 (Complex See Reference) or field 353 (Complex See Also Reference).
008/06-21 b [table record]
084 0#$alcc [Library of Congress Classification]
153 ##$zKF1$a7.5$c7.529$hTable of form divisions (20 nos.)$hStatutes. Regulations. Rules of practice$hFederal legislation$hRegulations. Rules of practice$jParticular regulations or rules of practice (or groups of regulations or rules adopted as a whole)
253 0#$iFor rules of practice before a separately classed agency, see the issuing agency

INPUT CONVENTIONS

Tracing Fields - General input conventions for the 453 and 553 tracing fields are provided in the X53 Classification Numbers-General Information section. The input conventions for the Reference fields are provided in the description of each field.
Display Constants for Cross References - In the 453 and 553 tracing fields, reference instruction phrases such as those listed below are not carried in the MARC record. They may be system generated as display constants associated with the field tag. In complex reference fields 253 and 353, the complete reference instruction may be a combination of a tag-related phrase, such as see: or see also: and explicit text in subfield $i.
Tag-related:
see:
see also:
In complex reference fields 253 and 353, the complete reference instruction may be a combination of a tag-related phrase, such as see: or see also: and explicit text in subfield $i

SCHEME-SPECIFIC CONVENTIONS

General Conventions - General scheme specific conventions for the 453 and 553 tracing fields are provided in the X53 Classification Numbers-General Information section. The scheme-specific conventions for the Reference fields (253, 353) are provided in the description of each field. The Library of Congress Classification scheme does not use subfield $t in field 453.
Display Constants for Cross References - In the 453 and 553 tracing fields, reference instruction phrases such as those listed below are not carried in the MARC record. The following display constants may be system generated by the code in subfield $w/0 (Special relationship) and the code in field 084 (Classification Scheme and Edition).
Code Name DDC LCC
a Previous number undetermined undetermined
b New number undetermined undetermined
j See For topic see number topic see number
k Class elsewhere Class topic in number not applicable
l See also See also number for topic Cf. number topic
m Standard subdivision Do not use for topic; class in number not applicable

The following display constants may be system generated by the code in subfield $w/1 (Hierarchical relationship).
Code Name DDC LCC
g Number representing broader topic see also under narrower number undetermined
h Number representing narrower topic see also under the broader number undetermined

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(03/14/2008)
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