Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials According to AACR2

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Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials According to AACR2

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Meaning of Non-Book Materials

  3. Importance of Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials

  4. Principles of AACR2 for Non-Book Materials

  5. Categories of Non-Book Materials

  6. Key Areas of Bibliographic Description According to AACR2

  7. Prescribed Punctuation in Bibliographic Description

  8. Examples of Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials

  9. Advantages of Following AACR2 Rules

  10. Limitations

  11. Conclusion

  12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)


1. Introduction

Non-book materials include resources other than printed books, such as audio-visual materials, maps, music scores, manuscripts, microforms, and electronic resources. AACR2 provides specific rules for describing these materials to ensure uniformity, accurate identification, and efficient retrieval in library catalogues.


2. Meaning of Non-Book Materials

Definition:
Non-book materials are library resources that are not traditional printed books. Bibliographic description of these materials involves recording all essential details—title, responsibility, edition, publication, format, physical characteristics, series, notes, and identifiers—according to AACR2 rules.


3. Importance of Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials

  • Ensures accurate identification of non-book resources

  • Facilitates efficient retrieval and cataloguing

  • Supports automation and digital library systems

  • Enables resource sharing and bibliographic control

  • Enhances access to multimedia, digital, and special collections


4. Principles of AACR2 for Non-Book Materials

  1. Cataloguing from the Item: Record details directly from the material

  2. Uniformity: Standardized spelling, punctuation, and abbreviations

  3. Clarity and Accessibility: Users can locate and identify resources easily

  4. International Compatibility: Align with ISBD for punctuation and format

  5. Material-Specificity: Different rules for maps, music, audio-visual, microforms, and electronic resources


5. Categories of Non-Book Materials

  • Audio-Visual Materials: DVDs, CDs, films, slides, videos

  • Maps and Cartographic Materials: Atlases, topographic maps, digital maps

  • Music Scores and Sound Recordings: Printed scores, CDs, LPs

  • Manuscripts: Handwritten or original documents

  • Microforms: Microfilm, microfiche

  • Electronic Resources: E-books, e-journals, databases, websites


6. Key Areas of Bibliographic Description According to AACR2

6.1 Title and Statement of Responsibility

  • Record title proper exactly as on the item

  • Include subtitle, parallel titles, and statement of responsibility

  • For corporate authors, note the organization or institution

Example (Audio-Visual):

6.2 Edition Statement

  • Record edition if indicated

  • Special editions, revised versions, or reissues should be noted

Example:

  • Director’s Cut ; revised edition

6.3 Material-Specific Details

  • Include format-specific information

  • Audio-Visual: DVD, CD, Blu-ray, running time

  • Music: number of scores, instrumentation

  • Maps: scale, projection

  • Electronic: file type, software requirements

Example:

  • DVD, 2 discs, 120 min.

  • 1 score (45 pages) ; 30 cm.

6.4 Publication, Distribution, etc.

  • Place of publication, publisher, year, distributor if applicable

  • Include manufacturer for non-print items

Example:

  • Washington, D.C.: History Channel Multimedia, 2020.

6.5 Physical Description

  • Number of pages, reels, discs, dimensions, or other material characteristics

  • For electronic resources: storage medium, file size, platform requirements

Example:

  • 2 discs, 120 min. ; 12 cm.

  • Microfiche, 100 frames ; 10 × 15 cm.

6.6 Series Statement

  • Include series title and numbering for materials part of a collection or series

Example:

  • Library Science Multimedia Series ; no. 3

6.7 Notes

  • Include special information such as contents, bibliographies, indexes, language, or software requirements

  • Record any restrictions, access conditions, or accompanying materials

Example:

  • Includes English subtitles and director commentary.

6.8 Standard Numbers and Terms of Availability

  • Record ISBN, ISSN, ISMN, ISRC, or other identifiers

  • Include access, availability, or subscription details

Example:

  • ISBN 978-1-23456-789-0 ; ISRC US-XYZ-20-12345


7. Prescribed Punctuation in Bibliographic Description

AACR2 follows ISBD punctuation rules:

  • Colon ( : ) → separates title and subtitle

  • Slash ( / ) → separates title and statement of responsibility

  • Semicolon ( ; ) → separates series or secondary elements

  • Comma ( , ) → separates elements in notes

  • Period ( . ) → ends each bibliographic area


8. Examples of Bibliographic Description of Non-Book Materials

Audio-Visual Example:

  • History of Ancient Civilizations / History Channel. – [DVD] – 2 discs, 120 min. – Washington, D.C.: History Channel Multimedia, 2020. – Library Science Multimedia Series ; no. 3. – ISBN 978-1-23456-789-0. – Includes English subtitles and director commentary.

Map Example:

  • Topographic Map of Sri Lanka / Survey Department of Sri Lanka. – 1 map ; 1:50,000 scale ; 84 × 60 cm. – Colombo: Survey Department, 2018. – Series: National Topographic Maps ; sheet no. 102.

Electronic Resource Example:

  • Digital Libraries Handbook / International Digital Library Association. – [Electronic resource]. – PDF, 350 pages ; 12 MB. – London: Knowledge Press, 2023. – ISBN 978-1-56789-012-3. – Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.


9. Advantages of Following AACR2 Rules

  • Provides uniform and standardized cataloguing

  • Supports efficient retrieval and management of non-book materials

  • Facilitates automation and integration into OPAC

  • Enhances bibliographic control and resource sharing

  • Ensures clarity, accessibility, and international compatibility


10. Limitations

  • Complex for cataloguers unfamiliar with audio-visual or electronic formats

  • Continuous updates required for digital or multimedia resources

  • Material-specific details may vary widely

  • Requires knowledge of multiple identifiers like ISMN, ISRC, ISBN


11. Conclusion

The bibliographic description of non-book materials according to AACR2 ensures that all library resources beyond printed books are systematically recorded and accessible. By following AACR2 rules for title, responsibility, edition, material details, publication, physical description, series, notes, and standard numbers, libraries can manage multimedia, digital, and special collections effectively.


12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are non-book materials in libraries?
Answer: Materials other than printed books, such as audio-visual items, maps, music, microforms, manuscripts, and electronic resources.

Q2. What is the main identifier for non-book materials?
Answer: Depending on the material, ISBN, ISMN, ISRC, or ISSN may be used.

Q3. Can AACR2 rules be applied to digital resources?
Answer: Yes, with additional details such as file type, platform, and access conditions.

Q4. Why is material-specific detail important in AACR2 for non-book items?
Answer: It ensures accurate identification and distinguishes between different formats or versions of the same work.

Bibliographic Description for Non-Book Materials (AACR2)
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DESCRIPTION FIELDS
Title & Statement of Responsibility
• Title as it appears on the material
• Statement of responsibility (e.g., director, producer, corporate body)
Edition Statement
• Indicate special editions or versions (e.g., Director's Cut)
Material-Specific Details
• Format (e.g., DVD, CD, Blu-ray, music score)
• Duration, number of discs, or instrumentation
Publication, Distribution, etc.
• Publisher, place, and year of publication
• Distributor for non-print items
Physical Description
• Number of discs, dimensions, or frames
• File size, platform for digital items
Series Statement
• Series name and number if applicable
Notes
• Special features, language, restrictions
• Any other important details (e.g., subtitles, commentary)
Standard Numbers & Availability
• ISBN, ISMN, ISSN, ISRC, or other identifiers
• Subscription or access details
A comprehensive bibliographic description ensures non-book materials are accurately catalogued, identifiable, and accessible for users.

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