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02. Blanks (hashes) “with a meaning” in MARC coded data fields 007

Blanks (hashes) have a “meaning” in MARC field 007 - Physical Description Fixed Field - sometimes. So, a blank (hash) doesn't always mean "undefined", "unknown", or "unspecified"!

The following table gives an overview on the blanks (hashes) “with a meaning”. This is very important to be aware of when data is imported, exported, or converted.

Especially when data is delivered by a library which has no "MARC 21 background" as far it applies the format of the records, and the format of that library has no fields like Leader or coded data like field 008, then the delivered fields like 008 have been generated automatically probably without checking the values with the "items in hand". This implies that the blanks (hashes) "with a meaning" mean in fact "No attempt to code". Then, the decision can be taken - in cooperation with the library - to remove those blanks (hashes) from the records.

Materials Position tag 007 Description of position(s) Description of blank(s) / hash(es)
Electronic Resource 05 Sound No sound (silent)
Tactile Material 03-04 Class of braille writing No specified class of braille writing
  06-08 Braille music format No specified braille music format
Projected Graphic 05 Sound on medium or separate No sound (silent)
  06 Medium for sound No sound (silent)
  08 Secondary support material No secondary support
Nonprojected Graphic 05 Secondary support material No secondary support
Motion Picture 05 Sound on medium or separate No sound (silent)
  06 Medium for sound No sound (silent)
Videorecording 05 Sound on medium or separate No sound (silent)
  06 Medium for sound No sound (silent)