Music Library Association Best Practices for Music Cataloging Using RDA and MARC21 - Chapter 6 - Identifying Works and Expressions

Sep 29, 2026

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Guidelines for creating authority records that identify and describe music works and expressions, with specific focus on structured encoding in MARC fields. The text covers how to record form of work, including when to use controlled vocabulary (e.g., LCGFT) and how to avoid unsuitable term types. It also addresses how to record dates of work and place of origin, plus content type recording rules for accompanying text and multimedia carriers, and it provides cataloging examples and field-level instructions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages24

Reading Time1 h 0 min

AccessFree to download

Purpose and Scope

Form of Work

Controlled vocabulary and capitalization

Terms to avoid in 380

Date of Work

Place of Origin of the Work

Content Type

Scores with audio/video carriers

Textual matter in scores

Date of Expression

Recording Date of Expression

Language of Expression

Music Library Association Best Practices for Music Cataloging Using RDA and MARC21 for Chapter 6: Identifying Works and Expressions MLA BP FOR 6.0 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The guidelines and encoding examples below generally pertain to authority records for individual works, unless otherwise indicated. For authority records representing compilations of works (e.g. ,“Piano music”) or classes of expressions (e.g. ,“Kartinki svystavki; arranged”), MLA recommends encoding only those elements which pertain to all works/expressions that can be represented by that access point. MLA recommends recording all elements that are readily ascertainable when creating or enhancing authority records for individual works. 1 In most cases, however, these guidelines are equally applicable to bibliographic records for manifestations embodying a single work/expression. The recording of work/expression attributes in separate MARC fields (i.e. , encoding data in fields 046 and 380-384 in addition to formulating access points) in bibliographic records is largely a matter to be decided by individual cataloging agencies. 2 The utility of such fields, and the feasibility of encoding them, depends on the presence of authority records for the relevant works and/or expressions and the number of works embodied within a resource, respectively. 1 Consult the Descriptive Cataloging Manual, Z1. Name and Series Authority Records for general guidelines in encoding data in authority records. 2 Library of Congress’s practice is described here . MLA BP FOR 6.3 FORM OF WORK MLA recommendation: If giving form of work as a component of an access point (i.e. , preferred titles consisting of the name of one or more type of composition), routinely also record form of work in a 380 field. For other works, record form of work separately in a 380 field if readily ascertainable. Prefer controlled vocabulary such as Library of Congress Genre/Form Terms for Library and Archival Materials (LCGFT) . For consistency, capitalize the first term. 100 1_ Bach, Johann Sebastian, 1685-1750. $t Masses, $n BWV 234, $r A major 380 Masses $2 lcgft 110 2_ Green Day (Musical group) . $t American idiot (Musical) 380 Musicals $2 lcgft 100 1_ Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, Felix, $d 1809-1847. $t Hebriden 380 Overtures $2 lcgft 100 1_ Shepherd, Adaline, $d 1883-1950. $t Pickles and peppers 380 Ragtime music $2 lcgft When terms do not come from a controlled vocabulary, use the singular form. 100 1_ Bartók, Béla, $d 1881-1945. $t Sonatinas, $m piano $n (1915) 380 Sonatina Do not record in a 380 field types of composition terms that are: terms indicating a number of performers (e.g. Duets) tempo markings (e.g. , Allegros) other generic terms that do not convey formal characteristics (e.g. , Pieces, Music) . MLA BP FOR 6.4 DATE OF WORK MLA recommendation: Record date of work as a data element in 046 $k (and $l as appropriate) if readily ascertainable. 3 See 6.28.1.9.4 and 6.28.1.10.1 for instructions on giving date of work as a component of an access point (i.e. , to distinguish two works with the same preferred title) . 046 $k 1947 100 1_ Antheil, George, $d 1900-1959. $t Sonatas, $m piano, $n no. 3 (1947) 046 $k 1927 $l 1928 100 1_ Thomson, Virgil, $d 1896-1989. $t Four saints in three acts 046 $k 1884 $l 1889 100 1_ Puccini, Giacomo, $d 1858-1924. $t Edgar Composed 1884-1889; revised 1889-1892; revised 1905. 3 See here for guidance on inputting dates using the Extended Date Time Format. MLA BP FOR 6.5 PLACE OF ORIGIN OF THE WORK MLA recommendation: In authority records for works, record place of origin of the work in 370 $g if readily ascertainable. Record country or local place within a country, as appropriate. 100 1_ Peterson, Marvin Hannibal. $t Dear Mrs. Parks 370 $g United States 100 1_ Cavalli, Pier Francesco, $d 1602-1676. $t Calisto 370 $g Venice (Italy) MLA BP FOR 6.9 CONTENT TYPE ML

FAQs

What is the purpose and scope of Chapter 6?

It provides guidelines for authority records describing individual works and expressions, with related encoding examples and notes on when the recommendations also apply to bibliographic records for manifestations.

How should form of work be recorded for access points?

When form of work is part of an access point, also record it in field 380. For other works, record it separately in 380 if readily ascertainable, using controlled vocabulary such as LCGFT and capitalizing the first term.

Which content types should be recorded for accompanying materials and carriers?

Record content types for primary content and also for substantial accompanying materials described in 300 or in separate 300. For audio/video carriers, use the appropriate separate 336 field(s) and encode additional fields as indicated, and record “text” in 336 only for significant textual matter.

Sep 29, 2026

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