Skip Maine state header navigation

Agencies | Online Services | Help

Skip First Level Navigation | Skip All Navigation

Home > Minerva > Cataloging > Manual > Ch 8: Physical Description Area - MARC MARC 300 Field

Chapter 8: Physical Description Area - MARC 300 Field

MARC 300 field (R)

The physical description of the item being cataloged is entered in the 300 field. Notes may be made in a 5XX field to describe any other formats an item may have had. For example, if the item in hand is a videorecording that was originally a motion picture, it is described as a videorecording and a note in a 500 field is made about its original motion picture format. This field ends with a period.

Both indicators are blank.

This field must always have a subfield |a. Punctuation that appears in the following examples is prescribed by AARC2. See the MARC 21 website for more details.

  • |a Extent of item or specific material designation (number of pages or parts)
    • 300 145 p. ;|c28 cm.
    • 300 2 sound cassettes (ca. 150 min.) : |banalog, 1 1/2 ips., stereo.
  • |b Other physical details (illustrations, color, sound, etc.)
    • 300 31 p. :|bill. ;|c28 cm.
    • 300 2 videodiscs (90 min.) :|bsd., col. :||c4 ¾ in.
    • 300 1 sound cassette (3 min., 17 sec.) :|bdigital.
  • |c Dimensions
    • 300 243 p. ;|c22 cm.
    • 300 1 videocassette (15 min.) :|bsd., col. ;|c1/2 in.
    • 300 2 computer optical discs :|bcol. ;|c3 1/2 in.
  • |e Accompanying material
    • 300 1 videocassette (50 min.) :|bsd., col. ;|c1/2 in. +|e1 script booklet (14 p. : ill. ; 28 cm.)

      (back to top)

Extent of Item: Subfield |a

"Extent of item" is a cataloging term that refers to the number of physical units of an item; it is entered in arabic numerals and followed by its specific material designation. These units may be the number of pages, volumes, cassettes, sound discs, compact discs, etc. The extent of item is preceded by the MARC subfield code |a.

  • 300  55 p.

(Please note : pages are indicated by "p.")

(back to top)

Books with numbered pages

A book is described in terms of the number of pages (sheet printed on both sides) or leaves (sheet printed on one side). The last numbered page or leaf is given. If some pages have roman numerals, the last roman numeral is used unless they are included in the arabic numeral page count.

Books with unnumbered pages

Unnumbered pages containing significant information (for example an unnumbered index) are counted and the total given in square brackets. Disregard unnumbered sequences of inessential matter such as advertising, blank pages, etc.

  • 322, [15] p.

If the cataloger is estimating the approximate extent for the item, the number is preceded by "ca."

Children's books with unnumbered pages

The Library of Congress does not follow the above rule for children's books. If the pages in a children's book are not numbered, describe the item as "1 v." with the word unpaged in parenthesis.

Examples of subfield |a (extent of item) for books

Review the following examples of the extent of item for books, pamphlets and printed sheets carefully. Notice how the name of the specific material designation is only used once after the number of units.

Extent of Item for Books, Pamphlets, and Printed Sheet
Examples More Examples
327 p. 321 leaves
xvii, 323 p. [xii], 135 p. (Brackets indicate unnumbered pages.)
381 columns 27 p., 300 leaves
1 broadside 1 sheet
1 portfolio A-Z p. (pages of item are lettered A-Z)
8, vii, ca. 300, 73 p 33, [31] leaves
[8], 155 p. [e. 84] p. (Incorrect final page number)
leaves 81-149 [93] p. ca. 300 leaves
1000 p. in various pagings (Cataloger added pages together to get a total number.)
256 leaves in various foliations
1 v. (various pagings) 1 v. (loose leaf)

(back to top)

Unnumbered plates

The number of leaves or pages of plates are added to the extent of item element if they are not included in the final page number.

  • 246 p., 32 p. of plates
  • xvi, 249 p., [12] leaves of plates
  • x, 32, 73 p., 1 leaf of plates (The plural form "plates" is used for one (1) leaf.)

    (back to top)

Multiple parts

If an item contains multiple parts and publication of the work is complete, enter as follows:

  • 5 v.
  • 4 videocassettes
  • 7 pts.

If an item is not yet complete, only the specific material designation is given.

  • v.
  • pt.

If the term "volume" is not appropriate for a multipart item, use: parts (pt. or pts.), pamphlets, pieces, case(s) or portfolio(s).

(back to top)

Examples of subfield |a (extent of item) for non-book materials

Study this list of examples of the extent of item for non-book materials carefully. Notice that the specific material designation in the 300 field and the general material designation (GMD) listed are not always the same. For more information on sound and video recordings see the Appendix.

Examples of the Extent of Item for Non-book Materials
Examples Examples 2 Examples 3
3 art prints 3 slides 1 art reproduction
2 cassettes 3 maps 1 diorama
2 posters 2 jigsaw puzzles 1 paperweight
1 computer optical disc 1 filmstrip 1 videocassette
3 photographs 1 globe 1 technical drawing
7 microfiche 2 pictures 3 videodiscs

(back to top)

Other physical details: Subfield |b

Physical details other than extent of item or dimensions are given following the extent of item. These details vary according to the type of material. The other physical details element is preceded by a space, colon and subfield |b.

(back to top)

Books, pamphlets and printed sheets

This element describes illustrative matter in printed material. Use the abbreviation "ill." for illustrated printed monograph. Photographs are considered to be general illustrations and are designated by "ill." Disregard illustrated title pages and minor illustrations. Tables containing only words and/or numbers are not illustrations.

  • 300 327 p. :|bill. ;|c25 cm.

Optionally, more details may be added to this element if the cataloger considers them to be useful to the library's patron.

If the illustrations are all of one or more of the following types and are considered important, give the appropriate term(s) or abbreviation(s) in alphabetical order: coats of arms, facsimiles (facsims.), forms, genealogical tables, maps, music, plans, portraits (use " ports" for both single and group portraits) and samples. If none of these terms adequately describes the illustrations, use another term as appropriate.

  • 300 333 p. :|bmaps ;|c28 cm.
  • 300 256 p. :|bcoats of arms, facsims., ports. ;|c24 cm.
  • 300 147 p. :|bcomputer drawings ;|c32 cm.

If only some of the illustrations are of types considered to be important, use the abbreviation "ill." and add the appropriate term(s) or abbreviation(s) in alphabetical order.

  • 300 230 p. :|bill., maps, music, ports. ;|c25 cm.
  • 300 199 p. :|bill., cross sections, forms ;|c28 cm.

Describe colored illustrations (i.e., those in two or more colors) as such.

  • :|bcol. ill.
  • :|bill. (some col.), maps, plans
  • :|bill. (chiefly col.), plans

Give the number of illustrations if their number can be ascertained readily (e.g., when the illustrations are listed and their numbers stated).

  • :|b48 ill.
  • :|bill., 12 maps
  • :|bill., 3 forms, 1 map

If the publication consists wholly or predominantly of illustrations, enter as "ill." or "chiefly ill." as appropriate. Optionally, if those illustrations are all of one type, give "all" and the name of type or "chiefly" and the name of type.

  • :|ball ill.
  • :|bchiefly maps

Describe illustrative matter issued in a pocket inside the cover of an item in the physical description. Specify the number of such items and their location in a note.

  • :|bill., col. maps

Note: 4 maps on 2 folded leaves in pocket

(back to top)

Non-book materials

Cartographic materials: include number of maps in an atlas, color, type of material used and mounting.

  • 300 1 atlas (5 v.) :|b250 col. maps
  • 300 1 relief model :|bcol., plastic

Music: include illustrations.

  • 300 1 score (x, 77 p., [1] leaf of plates) :|bfacsim.

Sound recordings: include type of recording, playing speed, groove characteristics (analog discs), track configuration (sound track films), number of tracks (tapes), number of sound channels, recording and reproduction characteristics (optional)

  • 300 1 sound disc (31 min.) :|banalog, 33 1/3 rpm, stereo
  • 300 2 sound cassettes (ca. 150 min.) :|b1 1/2 ips, mono.

Films and videorecordings: include special sound characteristics, color and projection speed (motion pictures).

  • 300 2 film reels (25 min.) :|bmultiprojector, multiscreen, si., col.
  • 300 1 videocassette (15 min) :|bsd., col.
  • 300 2 videodiscs (180 min) ;|bsd., col.

Graphics

The other physical details required depend upon the kind of graphic material being cataloged. Indication of color (e.g., col., b&w, sepia) is all that is required for the following: pictures, postcards, posters, stereographs, study prints, transparencies and wall charts. Other graphic materials need some description of additional characteristics in addition to color.

Art prints: include nature of print entered in either general terms (e.g., engraving, lithograph) or specific terms (e.g., copper engraving, color).

Art reproductions: include method of reproduction (e.g., photogravure, collotype, color).

Charts and flip charts: indicate if double-sided sheets and color.

Filmstrips, flash cards, slides: mention color and also mention sound if it is integral. Photographs : mention if the photograph is a transparency not designed for projection or if it is a negative print and mention color; optionally, the process used may be given.

Art originals: include a description of a characteristic but do not indicate color. Mention the medium, such as chalk, oil, pastel, etc., and also the base (e.g., board, canvas, fabric, etc.).

Technical drawings: include a description of a characteristic but do not indicate color. Mention the method of reproduction if any (e.g., blueprint, photocopy, etc.).

  • 300 8 architectural drawings :|bblueprints
  • 300 1 art original :|boil on board

Electronic resources: include encoded sound; encoded to display two or more colors.

Optional additions, if readily available and considered to be important, are: number of sides used; recording density; sectoring.

  • 300 2 computer cassettes :|bsd., col.
  • 300 1 computer optical disc :|bsd., col., double sided, high density
  • 300 1 DVD-ROM :|bsd., col.

Three-dimensional artifacts and realia are actual or real things rather than reproductions or text. Toys, tools, objects like an apple or a doll would be examples. Material and color need to be considered when cataloging this type of item.

  • 300 1 jar :|bclay, brown and red
  • 300 1 diorama (various pieces) :|bplastic, col.

    (back to top)

Dimensions: Subfield |c

The third element in the physical description area is the dimension or size of the item.

The dimensions element is preceded by a space, semicolon and subfield code |c.

(back to top)

Dimensions: book-like materials

Give the height of the item in centimeters, to the next whole centimeter up (e.g., if an item measures 17.2 centimeters, give 18 cm.). Measure the height of the binding if the volume is bound. Otherwise, measure the height of the item itself. If the item measures less than 10 centimeters, give the height in millimeters. If the width of the volume is either less than half the height or greater than the height, give the height × width.

  • ;|c20 × 8 cm.
  • ;|c20 × 32 cm.

If the volumes in a multipart item differ in size, give the smallest or smaller and the largest or larger size, separated by a hyphen.

  • ;|c24-28 cm.

Give the height and the width of a single sheet. If such a sheet is designed to be folded when issued, add the dimensions of the sheet when folded.

  • ;|c48 × 30 cm. folded to 24 × 15 cm.

If the sheet is designed to be read in pages when folded, describe it as 1 folded sheet and give the number of imposed pages and the height of the sheet when folded.

Dimensions: non-book materials

Round items are described in terms of diameter. Sound discs and videodiscs are measured in inches, while other items are measured in centimeters. Exceptions: no measurements are given for stereographs, including stereograph reels; for sound recordings on rolls; for sound cartridges or cassettes that are standard dimensions or for slides that are of standard dimensions.

  • 300 1 globe :|bcol., cardboard, mounted on metal stand ;|c32 cm. in diam.

For motion pictures, videotapes and filmstrips give dimensions in millimeters; give the gauge of videotapes in inches.

  • 300 1 film cartridge (4 min.) :|bsi., col. ;|csuper 8 mm.
  • 300 1 film reel (12 min.) :|bsd., col. with b&w sequences ;|c16 mm.
  • 300 1 videocassette (15 min.) :|bsd., col. ;|c1/2 in
  • 300 1 videodisc (66 min.) :|bsd., col. ;|c4 ¾ in.

Most other items are measured in height x width or height x depth or height x width x depth.

  • 300 1 relief model :|bcol., wood ;|c50 x 35 x 4 cm.
  • 300 2 ft. (2 boxes, ca. 300 items) ;|c44 x 30 x 15 cm.
  • 300 1 art original :|boil on canvas ;|c31 x 41 cm.

For three-dimensional artifacts and realia it may be necessary to give only one dimension. In such a case the dimension is specified.

  • 300 1 jar :|bclay, brown and red ;|c32 cm. high.
  • 300 1 paperweight :|bglass, col. ;|c8 cm. in diam.

Three-dimensional artifacts and realia in containers should indicate the type of container and its dimensions following the dimensions of object.

  • 300 1 relief model :|bcol., wood ;|c50 x 35 x 4 cm. in box 26 x 19 x 9 cm .
  • 300 1 jigsaw puzzle (ca. 60 pieces) :|bcardboard, col. ;|c18 cm. diam. in box 11 cm. in diam. x 4 cm.

    (back to top)

Accompanying material: Subfield |e

Accompanying material might include answer books, atlases, teacher's manuals, student books, portfolios of plates, slides, CDs, DVDs or booklets explaining audiovisual materials, and other such items. These materials are often placed in pockets inside the item being cataloged or they may also be loose inside the container. There are several ways in which accompanying material may be handled.

  1. The accompanying material may be cataloged as a separate item. For example, the cataloger might create a unique bib record for a teacher's manual that accompanies a video and include information describing the relationship of the two items.
  2. A second method is to give information in a 5XX field, the note area.
  3. The third choice would be to add information about the accompanying material as the fourth element of the physical description area as described below.

The accompanying materials element of the physical description area is preceded by a space, plus sign, space and subfield code |e.

  • 300 1 videocassette (50 min.) :|bsd., col. ;|c1/2 in. + |e1 script booklet.
  • 300 5 filmstrips :|bcol. ;|c35 mm. + |e5 sound cassettes (60 min. : track, mono. +|e1 teacher's guide (25 p. ; 23 cm.).
  • 300 271 p. : ill. ; 21 cm. + |e1 answer book
  • 300 252 p. : ill. ; 21 cm. + |e1 v. (37 p., 19 leaves : col. maps ; 37 cm.)
  • 300 158 p. : ill. ; 21 cm. + |e1 sound disc (25 min. : analog, 33¹/3 rpm, mono. ; 12 in.)

If the accompanying material is issued in a pocket inside the cover of the publication, give its location in a note entered in a 500 field.

(back to top)

Next: Chapter 9