Identifying copy: A number of records for any given thesis often exist in OCLC. The record is a match if it contains a reproduction note (generally 533, but may be 500 in older copy) indicating that the item is a microfilm. If the item in the record is a photocopy, the record cannot be used, but may be used to derive a new record. If there is no reproduction note indicating that the item is a photocopy or microform, the record stands for the original item and cannot be used, but may be used to derive a new record.
Completeness of information: We want the finished record to contain as much useful information as possible. If the copy has more information than our card, and the quality of the record seems to be good overall, retain the additional information. If our card has information not included in the copy, add it to the record.
Fields to check:
Fixed field: All information in the fixed field should be coded for the original item, not the reproduction, with the exception of Form.
Type: t (manuscript language material—older copy will probably be coded as a)
Form: Code a (microfilm) or b (microfiche)
Ctry: Should be coded xx (unpublished). This is incorrect in many OCLC records
DtSt: Date type here refers to the original item, not the photocopy. This is incorrectly coded in many OCLC records
Dates: Dates from original item. Often incorrectly coded in OCLC records.
007: (negative microfilm) =a h =b d =d b =e f
007: (positive microfilm) =a h =b d =d a =e f
300: Physical description of original item
300 vi, 302 leaves : =b music ; =c 28 cm. (AACR2 form)
300
500: This field may be used for any notes that do not fall into the categories of notes listed separately below. Examples below.
500 Vita.
500
502: Dissertation note.
502 Thesis (Ph. D.)—University of Rochester, 2001.
504: Bibliography note.
533: Reproduction note. Edit to match our information. If the note is in a pre-AACR2 form, substitute our values for those in the record as well as possible.
Microfilm. =b Ann Arbor, Mich. : =c University Microfilms, =d 197-. =e 1 reel : positive ; 35 mm.
539: Fixed field information for the photocopy. Voyager converts this field to a =7 field appended to the end of the 533.
s =b 197u =d miu =e n =g a