The physical description of the item including the extent of the item and its dimensions. Use field 300 also for other physical details of the item and information concerning accompanying material.
For information on punctuation, see the Punctuation section below.
Guidelines
In records formulated following cataloging rules based on International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD), a relationship exists between prescribed ISBD punctuation and the identification of specific subfield data. RDA and AACR2 bibliographic records in WorldCat generally follow ISBD principles for description and punctuation.
WorldCat accommodates both RDA and AACR2 bibliographic records. Prefer use of RDA forms when adding or editing elements of field 300, e.g., spelling out non-transcribed abbreviations, except those that represent measurements of time and physical dimensions.
Undefined. The 1st indicator position is undefined and contains a blank.
Undefined
2nd Indicator
Undefined. The 2nd indicator position is undefined and contains a blank.
Undefined
Subfields
Descriptions of subfields ǂa, ǂb, ǂc, and ǂe and examples are listed in categories.
ǂa Extent
The extent of the item. In records formulated according to ISBD principles, subfield ǂa includes all data up to and including the next mark of ISBD punctuation, e.g., a colon, a semicolon, or a plus sign, whether included or not.
For books, use subfield ǂa for the number of pages and/or number of volumes.
Enter combined statements of pagination and illustrative matter in subfield ǂa.
300
15 pages of illustrations, 15 pages ; ǂc 27 cm
300
27 leaves of plates, 5 pages ; ǂc 31 cm
For archival materials and manuscripts, use subfield ǂa for the number of leaves, pages, items, containers, volumes, or linear feet. If you separately code the type of unit in subfield ǂf, subfield ǂa contains only the numeric extent designation.
300
36 unnumbered pages : ǂb color illustrations ; ǂc 26 cm
300
38 unnumbered leaves, bound ; ǂc 17 cm
300
viii, 78 leaves ; ǂc 28 cm
300
9 microfiches : ǂb negative ; ǂc 11 x 15 cm
300
11 volumes : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 16-22 cm
300
15 ft. of microfilm
300
32 leaves ; ǂc 35 cm
300
76 ft.
300
111 linear ft.
300
57 items : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 23 cm or smaller
300
6 microfilm reels : ǂb negative ; ǂc 35 mm
300
19 volumes (approximately 2500 items) ; ǂc 29 x 23 cm or smaller
300
157 ǂf cubic ft.
300
ǂ3 poems ǂa 1 ǂf page ; ǂc 37 x 50 cm, folded to 13 x 19 cm
For continuing resources, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types. Precede the carrier by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals for publications that are complete. See RDA 3.4.1.3 and RDA 3.3.1.3. For AACR2, see rule 12.5B1.
300
11 volumes : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 23 cm
300
9 posters ; ǂc 55 x 75 cm or smaller
For cartographic materials, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types preceded by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals. See RDA 3.4.2.2. For AACR2, see rule 3.5B1.
300
1 map : ǂb color ; ǂc 60 x 92 cm, folded to 15 x 23 cm
300
20 maps on 16 sheets : ǂb color ; ǂc 51 x 86 cm or smaller
300
1 atlas (269 pages) : ǂb color illustrations, color maps ; ǂc 31 x 43 cm
300
1 globe : ǂb color, wood, mounted on metal stand ; ǂc 12 cm in diameter
300
1 online resource (1 map) : ǂb color
For computer files, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types preceded by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals. See RDA 3.4.1.3 and RDA 3.3.1.3. For AACR2, see rule 9.5B1.
300
1 computer disc ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
1 computer disc : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 3 1/2 in. + ǂe 1 guide (10 pages ; 10 x 23 cm)
300
1 computer disc : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
2 photo CDs : ǂb color ; ǂc 12 cm
300
21 computer tape reels
For scores, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types preceded by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals. See RDA 3.4.3.2 and RDA 7.20.1.3. For AACR2, see rule 5.5B1. Do not repeat subfield ǂa if you are entering multiple adjacent phrases. Enter multiple adjacent phrases in the same subfield ǂa. However, repeat subfield ǂa if you are cataloging scores and parts that are not adjacent because subfield ǂb or subfield ǂc separate it from the main extent data.
Enter the pagination or number of volumes in parentheses following the carrier type. If you are cataloging different types of scores and/or parts in a single physical unit, record the extent in the form: 1 score and 4 parts, etc., followed by the number of pages, leaves, or columns, in parentheses. See RDA 3.4.3.2.
300
1 score (iv, 21 pages) ; ǂc 42 cm
300
2 scores (58 pages) + 1 piano conductor part (14 pages) + 8 parts ; ǂc 27 cm
300
5 scores (ix, 157 pages) + 7 parts ; ǂc 31 cm
300
14 study scores (2 volumes) ; ǂc 26 cm
300
1 score (30 pages) ; ǂc 20 cm + ǂa 16 parts ; ǂc 32 cm
300
1 online resource (1 score (xiv, 203 pages))
For sound recordings, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types preceded by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals. See RDA 3.4.1.3 and RDA 3.3.1.3. For AACR2, see rule 6.5B1.
Enter the playing time in parentheses following the carrier type when appropriate. See RDA 7.22.1.3, RDA B.5.3, and RDA B.7.
For visual materials, use subfield ǂa for the number of physical units.
Enter the appropriate term from the list of carrier types preceded by the number of physical units in Arabic numerals. See RDA 3.3.1.3.
For motion pictures and video recordings, enter the playing time or number of frames in parentheses following the carrier type. See RDA 7.22.1.3, RDA B.5.3, and RDA B.7. For AACR2, see rule 7.5B1.
300
2 film cartridges (11 min., 5 sec.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc super 8 mm
300
3 videodiscs (60 min.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
5 videotape reels (approximately 115 min.) : ǂb silent, black and white ; ǂc standard 8 mm
300
7 film cassettes (30 min. each) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc super 8 mm
300
15 film reels (157 min.) : ǂb silent, black and white ; ǂc 16 mm
300
1 online resource (1 video file, approximately 9 min.) : ǂb sound, color
For graphic materials, enter the number of frames, sheets, or overlays in parentheses following the carrier type. See RDA 3.4.1.7. For AACR2, see rule 8.5B1.
300
1 filmstrip (14 frames) : ǂb color ; ǂc 35 mm
300
1 filmstrip (approximately 65 frames) : ǂb color ; ǂc 35 mm
300
2 flipcharts (15 sheets) : ǂb laminated double-sided paper ; ǂc 46 x 30 cm + ǂe 1 activity guide (23 pages ; 28 cm)
300
7 overhead transparencies (15 overlays) : ǂb color ; ǂc 20 x 26 cm
300
12 stereograph discs (7 pairs of frames each) : ǂb color + ǂe 1 booklet (16 pages)
300
119 slides : ǂb some color ; ǂc 5 x 5 cm
For three-dimensional artifacts and realia, enter the number and the type(s) of the component pieces in parentheses following the carrier type. See RDA 3.4.6.3. For AACR2, see rule 10.5B1.
300
2 games ; ǂc boxes 13 x 9 x 2 cm
300
3 jigsaw puzzles (100, 700, 550 pieces) : ǂb cardboard, color ; ǂc box 10 x 12 in.
300
14 dioramas (various pieces) : ǂb plastic and cardboard ; ǂc 4 containers, 29 x 43 x 4 cm
300
57 microscope slides : ǂb stained ; ǂc 3 x 8 cm
You may repeat field 300 to describe different parts of multipart items.
300
1 film reel (312 ft.) : ǂb silent, black and white ; ǂc 16 mm ǂ3 ref print.
300
1 film reel (312 ft.) : ǂb silent, black and white ; ǂc 16 mm ǂ3 dupe neg.
[Repeated field in a record for motion pictures]
300
65 prints : ǂb relief process ; ǂc 29 x 22 cm
300
8 albums (555 photoprints) ; ǂc 51 x 57 cm or smaller
[Repeated field in a record for graphic materials]
For multipart items that are not yet complete, enter the appropriate term for the carrier without the number. See RDA 3.4.1.10.
300
volumes : ǂb forms ; ǂc 28 cm
300
microfiches : ǂb negative ; ǂc 11 x 15 cm
300
computer discs ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
maps ; ǂc 82 x 76 cm, folded to 23 x 11 cm
300
audio discs ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
ǂb Other physical details
Further characteristics of an item. In records formulated according to ISBD principles, subfield ǂb includes all data following a colon and up to and including the next mark of ISBD punctuation, e.g., a semicolon or a plus sign, whether included or not.
For books, use subfield ǂb for any illustrative matter.
300
x, 577 pages : ǂb illustrations, color maps, portraits (some color) ; ǂc 19 cm
300
xii, 115 pages : ǂb maps, portraits ; ǂc 27 cm
300
115 pages : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 20 cm
300
volumes : ǂb illustrations (some color) ; ǂc 26 cm
Use field 500 to note illustrations on lining papers.
300
267 pages : ǂb illustrations, maps ; ǂc 21 cm
500
Maps on lining papers.
For archival materials and manuscripts, use subfield ǂb for the material on which a single manuscript is written (except when that material is paper) and also for illustrative matter in the manuscript or the manuscript collection.
Enter illustration statements following the score or part to which it pertains.
300
1 score (26 pages) : ǂb illustration + ǂa 16 parts ; ǂc 28 cm
For sound recordings, prefer use of field 344 for recording sound characteristics such as the type of recording, the playing speed, the groove characteristic, the track configuration, the number of tracks and sound channels, and the recording and reproduction characteristics. See RDA 3.16.1.3-RDA 3.16.9.3 and Best Practices for Music Cataloging.
For visual materials, use subfield ǂb for the other physical details appropriate to the material.
For motion pictures and video recordings, enter the aspect ratio and special projection characteristics, sound characteristics, color characteristics, and projection speed.
300
1 videodisc (5 min.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
1 videodisc (324 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
2 film reels (3 min., 6 sec.) : ǂb silent, color, 26 fps ; ǂc 16 mm
300
24 film reels (149 min.) : ǂb Panavision, sound, color ; ǂc 16 mm
300
2 videocassettes (48 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white with color introductory sequence ; ǂc 1/2 in.
300
2 videotape reels (15 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white ; ǂc 1/2 in.
300
1 online resource (1 video file, 7 hr., 18 min.) : ǂb sound, color
For graphic materials, enter medium-specific details and color characteristics
300
2 art originals : ǂb pastel on paper ; ǂc 14 x 9 cm
300
7 stereograph discs (7 pairs of frames each) : ǂb color
300
14 slides : ǂb color ; ǂc 5 x 5 cm
300
21 art prints : ǂb lithograph, color ; ǂc 33 x 23 cm, in folder
300
1 print : ǂb lithograph, 4 colors ; ǂc sheet 21 x 22 cm
300
1 online resource (1 poster) : ǂb color
For three-dimensional artifacts and realia, enter the composition of material and color characteristics.
300
4 microscope slides : ǂb plastic ; ǂc container 10 x 9 x 3 cm
300
1 microscope slide : ǂb stained ; ǂc 3 x 8 cm
300
1 diorama (various pieces) : ǂb plywood and plastic ; ǂc 31 x 51 x 5 cm + ǂe assembly instructions
300
1 flipchart (10 sheets) : ǂb double sided, color ; ǂc 21 x 30 cm
300
1 model : ǂb balsa wood and paper, black and white ; ǂc 17 x 22 x 15 cm + ǂe 1 information sheet (22 cm)
For print continuing resources, use subfield ǂb for any illustrative matter.
300
volumes : ǂb illustrations (some color) ; ǂc 28 cm
ǂc Dimensions
The dimensions of an item. In records formulated according to ISBD principles, subfield ǂc includes all data following a semicolon and up to and including the next mark of ISBD punctuation, e.g., a plus sign, whether included or not. Enter a space on each side of the lowercase x used to represent the multiplication sign that separates height, width, and depth when appropriate.
If you enter a range of heights in subfield ǂc, do not enter spaces before or after the hyphen.
For books, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item.
44 leaves : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 20 cm, folded to 11 x 14 cm
300
114 pages : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 76 mm
300
149 pages : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 27 cm
300
457 pages : ǂb maps, portraits ; ǂc 20 x 8 cm
300
volumes : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 22-35 cm
For archival materials and manuscripts, use subfield ǂc for the size of the manuscript, item, container, or volume.
300
1 item (on 1 leaf) ; ǂc 24 cm
300
7 ǂf pages ; ǂc 24 x 30 cm
300
14 volumes ; ǂc 32-38 cm
For cartographic materials, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item.
300
1 atlas (82 pages) : ǂb color illustrations, color maps ; ǂc 29 x 44 cm
300
1 map : ǂb both sides ; ǂc 34 x 72 cm, on sheet 46 x 43 cm
300
1 map : ǂb both sides, color, rayon ; ǂc 69 x 53 cm, on sheet 48 x 57 cm
300
1 map : ǂb color ; ǂc 24 x 21 cm
300
1 map : ǂb color ; ǂc 46 cm in diameter
300
1 map : ǂb color ; ǂc 200 x 354 cm, folded to 20 x 15 cm, plastic case 24 x 20 cm
300
1 map ; ǂc 19 x 24 cm, on sheet 48 x 60 cm
300
1 relief model : ǂb color, wood ; ǂc 34 x 26 x 3 cm
300
1 globe : ǂb color, plastic, mounted on metal stand ; ǂc 20 cm in diameter, box 40 x 21 x 21 cm
300
74 maps ; ǂc 21 x 55 cm and 48 x 76 cm
For computer files, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item.
300
1 computer disc : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
1 computer disc : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 3 1/2 in.
300
2 computer chip cartridges ; ǂc 3 1/2 in.
For scores, do not repeat subfield ǂc when dimensions are given as part of the description of accompanying material. However, repeat subfield ǂc when dimensions are associated with a repeated subfield ǂa. Also, if the dimensions of the score or parts differ, enter each dimension in a separate subfield ǂc following the score or part to which it pertains.
300
1 study score (34 pages) ; ǂc 21 cm
300
1 score (20 pages) + 1 part (3 pages) ; ǂc 27 cm
300
1 score (vi, 27 pages) : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 20 x 32 cm
300
1 score (vi, 64 pages) ; ǂc 20 cm + ǂa 16 parts ; ǂc 32 cm
300
3 study scores (7 volumes) : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 24-26 cm
For sound recordings, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item.
300
1 audiocassette (70 min.) ; ǂc 7 1/8 x 5 in., 1/4 in. tape
For visual materials, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item.
300
1 art reproduction : ǂb color ; ǂc 21 x 31 cm
300
1 film cassette (46 min.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc standard 8 mm
300
1 film reel (14 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white ; ǂc 16 mm
300
1 filmstrip (54 frames) : ǂb color ; ǂc 35 mm
300
1 model (11 pieces) : ǂb color ; ǂc 16 x 32 x 3 cm, case 21 x 34 x 7 cm
300
1 photograph : ǂb daguerreotype ; ǂc visible oval image 9 x 7 cm, case 11 x 9 cm
300
1 print : ǂb lithograph, black and white ; ǂc image 33 x 41 cm, on sheet 46 x 57 cm
300
1 videocassette (30 min.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 1/2 in.
300
1 videodisc (40 min.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 4 3/4 in.
300
1 videodisc (5 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white ; ǂc 8 in.
300
2 videotape reels (30 min.) : ǂb sound, black and white ; ǂc 1/2 in.
300
3 overhead transparencies (5 overlays each) : ǂb color ; ǂc 20 x 24 cm
300
4 slides : ǂb black and white ; ǂc 5 x 5 cm
300
7 microscope slides : ǂb stained ; ǂc 3 x 8 cm
300
8 film reels (7557 ft.) : ǂb sound, color ; ǂc 35 mm ǂ3 dupe neg nitrate (copy 2)
300
124 slides : ǂb color ; ǂc 5 x 5 cm
For print continuing resources, use subfield ǂc for the size of the item. For non-print continuing resources, use subfield ǂc for the dimensions appropriate to the type of material.
300
8 volumes ; ǂc 24-27 cm
300
volumes : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 24 cm
300
volumes ; ǂc 20 x 24 cm
300
filmstrips : ǂb color ; ǂc 35 mm
300
volumes : ǂb illustrations ; ǂc 22-35 cm
ǂe Accompanying material
A description of the accompanying material. In records formulated according to ISBD principles, subfield ǂe includes all data following a plus sign, whether included or not. Prefer use of subfield ǂe to record accompanying material. Include any physical description statements associated with accompanying material without further subfielding.
The type of unit (e.g., box, cubic feet, linear feet, page, or volume) to which the extent of an item relates. Use to identify the configuration of material and how it is stored. Use for archival and rare materials only.
300
21 ǂf boxes ǂa (7 ǂf linear ft.)
300
24 ǂf file drawers
Repeat subfield ǂf when alternate or additional forms of extent data are given. Record alternate forms of extent data in parentheses.
300
5 ǂf boxes ǂa (3 ǂf linear ft)
ǂg Size of unit
The size of the type of unit recorded in the preceding subfield ǂf. Use for archival and rare materials only.
300
ǂ3 diary ǂa 1 ǂf volume ǂa (464 ǂf pages) ǂg 21 x 35 cm
300
ǂ3 records ǂa 1 ǂf box ǂg 2 x 4 x 3 1/2 ft.
Repeat subfield ǂg when additional forms of extent data are given.
1 film reel of 1 (34 ft.) : ǂb silent, black and white ; ǂc 35 mm ǂ3 duplicate negative
300
ǂ3 personal correspondence ǂa 21 ǂf linear ft.
300
ǂ3 unprocessed remainder ǂa 35 ǂf linear ft.
300
ǂ3 diaries ǂa 3 ǂf volumes
300
ǂ3 correspondence ǂa 3 ǂf boxes
ǂ6 Linkage
Data that link fields when non-Latin script is entered. This subfield is system supplied and does not appear in OCLC online displays. Do not manually add subfield ǂ6. For more information about subfield ǂ6, see Control Subfields.
ǂ7 Data provenance
For information about subfield ǂ7, see the Data Provenance Subfields section of Control Subfields.
For records containing ISBD punctuation, follow these instructions:
Optionally, follow an initial subfield ǂ3 by a colon-space or a space-colon-space if following an open date
Precede second and subsequent occurrences of subfield ǂa by a space-plus-space in most cases
Precede subfield ǂb by a space-colon-space
Precede subfield ǂc by a space-semicolon-space
Precede subfield ǂe by a space-plus-space, i.e., a plus sign rather than an ampersand or the word and
Enclose the extent, other physical details, and dimensions following a statement of accompanying material in subfield ǂe in parentheses
Precede other physical details of accompanying material in subfield ǂe by a space-colon-space if it is not the first element within parentheses
Precede dimensions of accompanying material in subfield ǂe by a space-semicolon-space if it is not the first element within parentheses
Precede each additional statement of accompanying material in subfield ǂe by a space-plus-space
Enclose any text within brackets and parentheses as required by cataloging instructions
Include incidental punctuation needed within any subfields, e.g., commas, periods (following abbreviations or initials), etc.
When field 490 is also present, optionally, add a terminal period at the end of the field unless the last subfield ends with an ellipsis or period (following an abbreviation or initial)
Note: The designations cm and mm are not treated as abbreviations and are not followed by periods.
1 atlas (132 pages) : ǂb illustrations (some color), color maps (some folded) ; ǂc 36 cm
300
1 score (97 pages) ; ǂc 34 cm + ǂa 48 parts ; ǂc 31-33 cm
For records containing non-ISBD punctuation, see the cataloging instructions used to create the record.
For records containing minimal or no punctuation, include brackets, parentheses, and incidental punctuation needed within any subfields. Otherwise, omit the punctuation outlined above.