Hello,

I just noticed that the new ANSI/NISO Z39.71-1999 standard for holdings
defines the parentheses that surround the chronology as having no spaces
before and after, i.e. "Parentheses are neither preceded nor followed by
a blank" (p. 11). This affects the so-called "adjacent" option for
placing chronology next to the enumeration. An example would be the
following: v.3(1985)-5(1987)

To my knowledge spacing was not specified for this in the previous
standard. (I had a discussion about this on this list a number of years
ago.) Most people preferred to include a space between the enumeration
and the first parenthesis. I seem to see this alot as a result in
various OPACs, although I see holdings statements without the space
also.

Does anyone know why this requirement was introduced? Is it important
enough to worry about and change in my database? That is, should I
change my practice midstream? We are still creating summary holdings in
the 866 and are used to seeing this space.

Marilyn Quinn
Rider University
<quinnma@RIDER.EDU>