This message is being sent to CONSERLST and SERIALST; please excuse the
duplication.

Dear Colleagues,

As many of you know, at its June meeting, MARBI approved the redefinition of
code "m" in Leader/06 which means that, if implemented, most serials would  be
cataloged primarily as textual material.  I know that many of you are anxious
to begin using the new definition and it will be published in the forthcoming
update to the USMARC format.

However, there are serious difficulties with its implementation for OCLC.
I recently met with Liz Bishoff and others from OCLC to discuss their
plans.  She explained that the problems with record conversion, indexing,
duplicate detection and resolution are currently being investigated.  The
primary problem is not the redefinition of code "m" but the decision that
physical carrier should be indicated by mandatory use of field 007.  OCLC
is preparing guidelines for their users that will explain the impact on
the OCLC database if records are created according to the new definition.
They plan to issue these guidelines in the near future.  Once the
guidelines are issued and the full ramifications are understood, CONSER
can consider whether to implement the new definition or to wait.  However,
I urge all CONSER and other serials catalogers NOT to implement the new
definition at this time.

Liz and I also discussed working together on a proposal to MARBI that
would review again possible solutions for indicating the physical
character of the item.  She will ask that technical experts at OCLC
discuss the matter with others and make a proposal and I will work with my
colleagues here in the Network Development and MARC Standards Office and
with CONSER to determine how we can be supportive of their proposal.

Thank you all for your support on this issue.

Jean Hirons
CONSER Coordinator
Library of Congress
jhir@loc.gov
(202) 707-5947