Cataloguing of Non-Book Materials using AACR-2

 

The AACR-2 (Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, Second Edition) provides guidelines for cataloging library materials in a standard and consistent way. Non-book materials (NBMs) such as manuscripts, motion pictures, video recordings, microforms, and computer files require special cataloging rules due to their unique nature. 

Below, we outline the cataloging rules under AACR-2 for these types of non-book materials.

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1. Manuscripts

Manuscripts refer to original documents, handwritten or typewritten, that have not been published. They may include letters, diaries, drafts, or any handwritten works. Cataloging manuscripts involves creating accurate descriptions, including physical details and metadata that capture their unique characteristics.

AACR-2 Cataloging Rules for Manuscripts:

General Rule (Rule 4.2): Manuscripts are described similarly to books, but special attention is given to the format, the nature of the work (original manuscript), and any unique characteristics such as the author’s handwriting or edits.

Title: If the manuscript has a title, it is transcribed as the title of the item (e.g., handwritten title or a title from the manuscript).

Statement of Responsibility: The author or creator of the manuscript is listed as the primary responsibility. If a manuscript is by multiple creators (e.g., co-authors), they are listed accordingly.

Date: For manuscripts, the date of creation is used as the date of publication or creation (if known), but if the date is unknown, “[n.d.]” (no date) is used.

Physical Description: Includes the number of pages or leaves, sometimes indicating whether the manuscript is handwritten, typed, or a facsimile. Specific physical aspects, such as ink color or binding, may be noted.

Example (Manuscript):

245 10 The Life of Abraham Lincoln :

300 [125] leaves :

500 Written in ink on lined paper.

505 Includes notes on Lincoln's speeches.

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2. Motion Pictures and Video Recordings

Motion pictures and video recordings, such as films, documentaries, and videos, are cataloged under special rules due to their audio-visual nature. AACR-2 provides specific guidelines for these types of materials to ensure accurate identification and description.

AACR-2 Cataloging Rules for Motion Pictures and Video Recordings:

Title: The title of the motion picture or video recording is recorded as the primary title (usually the title shown at the beginning of the film or video).

Statement of Responsibility: This includes the director, producer, or any notable contributors (e.g., actors or screenwriters), typically listed in order of importance.

Date of Publication: The date of release or distribution is used (not the production date), and this is often the year the film or video was first publicly shown or released.

Physical Description: The physical medium (e.g., DVD, VHS, Blu-ray) and duration (running time) are included.

Medium of Performance: If relevant, the medium of performance (e.g., color, black-and-white, sound, silent, etc.) is also noted.

Example (Motion Picture):

245 00 Star Wars: A New Hope /

260 [Los Angeles]: Lucasfilm, 1977.

300 1 videocassette (ca. 121 min.) : sound, color ;

500 Based on the screenplay by George Lucas.

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3. Microforms

Microforms are small-format reproductions of documents, usually produced in microfilm, microfiche, or aperture card formats. Cataloging microforms follows specific rules to describe their unique format and ensure that users can access them.

AACR-2 Cataloging Rules for Microforms:

Title: The title is recorded as usual, often found on the original document or microform.

Statement of Responsibility: The creator or publisher of the original document is noted.

Physical Description: Specific to microforms, this includes the format (microfilm, microfiche, etc.), the number of reels or sheets, and the size of the microform.

Additional Information: Any additional details that may assist in locating the microform, such as “reduced-size reproduction” or “negative”/“positive” type, should be included.

Example (Microform):

245 00 The Works of William Shakespeare /

260 Chicago : University Press, 1964.

300 2 microfilm reels : positive, 16 mm.

500 Reproduced from the edition published by the Oxford University Press.

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4. Computer Files

Computer files include digital files such as software, eBooks, databases, and other digital content. Cataloging these materials in AACR-2 requires noting the format, content, and technical details that allow users to access and use the files effectively.

AACR-2 Cataloging Rules for Computer Files:

Title: The title of the digital object is recorded as found in the file itself (e.g., the title on a CD or eBook).

Statement of Responsibility: The creator of the software, author, or publisher is listed.

Date of Publication: The date of the file’s release or the year of creation is used as the publication date.

Physical Description: The format of the computer file (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, diskette) and the size of the file (e.g., 500MB, 1GB) are included. The system requirements (e.g., software needed, operating system) may also be noted.

Additional Information: Any special instructions, such as installation guidelines, may also be included in the catalog record.

Example (Computer File):

245 00 Microsoft Word 2021 /

260 Redmond, WA : Microsoft Corporation, 2021.

300 1 CD-ROM ; 4 3/4 in.

500 System requirements: Windows 10 or later.

Conclusion

Cataloging non-book materials such as manuscripts, motion pictures, microforms, and computer files under AACR-2 requires special attention to the medium and technical details unique to each type. While the rules for these materials generally follow the same principles as for books, additional details like physical format, system requirements, and special metadata are essential for accurate cataloging. By adhering to the specific AACR-2 guidelines for these materials, libraries can ensure proper access and organization, making these diverse resources available to users.