Encoding Level Guidelines

The encoding level of records is in the LDR (Leader) position 17. This code indicates the fullness of the bibliographic record. As of 2020, all OCLC participants are allowed to use the code blank for full level and code 7 for minimal level. All other levels of records are still allowed to be used in OCLC records.

CCS member libraries are not required to use a specific encoding level for final records. However, not changing the encoding level of a final record to full level can cause work to be erased when full level records are imported using duplicate detection rules that saves the record with the highest encoding level and rejects the record if the levels match. For example, if a final record has the encoding level of 8, m, or k, and another record has the level I or blank, the 8, m, or k level record will be overlaid by the I or blank level records. However, if the record has the encoding level of I or blank and an I or blank level record is imported, the records encoding levels are both full level. These records have matching levels, so the incoming record is rejected.

When cataloging full level records, it is recommended that you change the encoding level to I or blank in order to prevent your work from being overlaid by an incoming record. If you feel that it is fine for the final record that you loaded to be overlaid by an incoming record, you do not need to change the encoding level of a less than full level record.