Penn State University Libraries - 338 - Carrier Type (R)

1. General Information
   1. Definition
   2. Source of Information
   3. Indicators and Subfields
   4. Transcription Rules
2. 338|a -- Carrier Type Term
3. 338|b -- Carrier Type Code
4. 338|2 -- Source of Code
5. 338|3 -- Materials Specified
6. 338|6 -- Linkage
7. 338|8 -- Field Link and Sequence Number

"Carrier type" refers to the format of the storage medium and housing of a carrier in combination with the media type. It is used as an alternative to or in addition to the coded expression of carrier type in field 007/01 (Specific material designation). Field 338 information enables indication of more specific carrier types and carrier types from various lists. The carrier type for most books will be "volume."

See the Term and Code List for RDA Carrier Types for a list of valid terms that may be used.

The entire item may be considered the source.

The indicators are undefined and should remain blank.

Subfield Codes:

|a  Carrier type term  (R)
|b  Carrier type code (R)
|2  Source (NR)
|3  Materials specified (NR)
|6  Linkage (NR)
|8  Field link and sequence number (R)

Add 338 to RDA copy when absent. Add terms to existing 388 fields when not present in RDA copy. Accept codes in copy, but do not add them when missing.

When adding a 338, transcribe only the term as given in an approved list and enter it in lowercase. Do not invent terms or codes. Accept in but do not add a 338 to non-RDA copy.

Subfield |a includes a term for the category of carrier used to convey the content of the resource. Prefer terms from approved lists. Multiple terms from the same source may be repeated in the same field in multiple |a subfields. Terms from different source vocabularies should be in separate 338 fields. Do not capitalize the first word of the terms.

338   volume|2rdacarrier

338   audio disc|2rdacarrier

338   videodisc|2rdacarrier

The Carrier type code is the coded form of the term expressed in subfield |a. The coded data may seem less helpful than the term itself, but codes are easier for computers to understand and potentially sort. Do not add the code when absent from copy, but do not delete a code when already present in copy.

338   volume|bnc|2rdacarrier

338   online resource|bcr|2rdacarrier

338   |bsd|2rdacarrier

338   |bvd|2rdacarrier

Subfield |2 contains the source of either the term or code appearing in subfield |a or |b. Codes for likely sources may be found on the Genre/Form Code and Term Source Codes page.

The most common source will likely be for the Library of Congress list Term and Code List for RDA Carrier Types, represented by |2rdacarrier. Do not repeat the source within a single 338. Group all terms from a single source in one 338, with one subfield |2. When multiple sources are used, multiple 338 fields are required.

338   volume|bnc|2rdacarrier

338   |bnb|2rdacarrier

When applicable, use subfield |3 to briefly describe specific pieces of an item. For example, a CD may come with a liner notes, or a book may have a map in a pocket or come with an accompanying disc.

338   |3liner notes|asheet|2rdacarrier

See Appendix A: Control Subfields of MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data for the description of this subfield.

See Appendix A: Control Subfields of MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data for the description of this subfield.

BPCR Table of Contents | Record Creation 338