Software, computer games, and videogames

Local exceptions, guidelines, and reminders for cataloging software and computer games, including CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and videogames.

Physical description fixed field (007)

Code the fifth position (007 ‡e in OCLC) g for 4 ¾ in. discs. Code z for Nintendo GameCube discs and DS cartridges.

This change is being considered by the SCRAP committee. Do NOT follow this change. Please send any feedback to SCRAP.

Other Standard Identifier (024) Record platform numbers (assigned by the console manufacturer rather than a product's own publisher or distributor) in 024 (indicators 8_), not 037. For example: PS4 video game: 024 8 CUSA 00219 Wii video game: 024 8 RVL-RMKE-USA-BO‡q(label) 024 8 RVL P RMKE USZ‡q(container)

Publisher number (028)

Record publisher numbers and platform numbers in an 028 field (indicators 52). (Disregard the OLAC recommendation to record platform numbers in 024.)

Examples:

028 52 30197‡bKonami
028 52 RVL-RMKE-USA-BO‡q(label)
028 52 RVL P RMKE USZ‡q(container)

Stock number (037)

Record stock numbers and similar alphanumeric designations in an 037 field, with the associated distributor in ‡b.

Example:

037  11375926‡bTarget

DO NOT FOLLOW THIS RULE. This rule has been abolished or is obsolete, but is kept in the manual for historical purposes.

Locally change any 028 fields in software/videogame records to 037 fields. (The 028 field is reserved for sound recording numbers, music numbers, and publisher numbers.

General material designation (245 ‡h)

AACR2: For CD/DVD-ROMs, use [electronic resource (Carrier)], where "Carrier" is CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. For videogames, use [electronic resource (Platform)], where "Platform" is GameCube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, New Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PSP, Wii, Wii U, Xbox, Xbox 360, or Xbox One.

If the proper GMD equivalent fields are present, the parenthetical qualifier may be omitted: [electronic resource].

Examples:

[electronic resource (CD-ROM)]
[electronic resource (Xbox 360)]

RDA: Do not add a GMD. Make sure the equivalent 3XX fields are present; for videogames be sure to add the 250, 380, and 753 fields (see below).

Edition (250)

Transcribe the videogame platform in the edition statement. If the item also has a formal edition statement, follow the standard rules for multiple edition statements; generally put the formal edition statement first, followed by the videogame platform.

Examples:

250  Xbox 360.
250  Legendary edition, PS4.

Do not use the edition field to differentiate between versions for Windows, Macintosh, or both unless the word "edition" is actually found on the item. For example, version 1.2, Windows version 1.2, Macintosh ed., and Win/Mac ed. are appropriate if found on the item; Windows [ed.], Win/Mac, and so forth are not appropriate as edition statements; transcribe these in a note instead.

Extent of item (300 ‡a)

AACR2: Prefer terms in common usage (e.g. 1 CD-ROM, 1 DVD-ROM, 1 Blu-ray disc) although a more general term (e.g. 1 computer optical disc) is also acceptable.

RDA: Use a term in common usage or a more general term (e.g. 1 computer disc).

Dimensions (300 ‡c)

Use 3 1/4 in. for GameCube discs, even though they are actually 3 1/8 inches in diameter.

Use 1 1/2 in. for Nintendo DS and 3DS cartridges, even though they are actually 1 5/16 x 1 1/2 inches (3.3 x 3.5 cm).

Type of material (380)

For videogames, always add "Video game" (with no final punctuation) in a 380 field.

System requirements (538)

AACR2: Add types of requirements in the prescribed order:

• Processor
• Memory
• Operating system
• Software requirements
• Hardware requirements

Number of players note (500)

If stated on the item, record the number of players.

Examples:

500    1-4 players.
500    1-4 players (online 2-8).
500    1-2 players, co-op 2, (online multiplayer 2-4).

Audience note (521)

Include any ESRB rating in an audience note.

Example:

521 8  ESRB rating: Everyone (cartoon violence, comic mischief).

Summary (520)

Summary notes are required for children's software and games, and are recommended for all software and games when the nature and scope of the content is not clear from the rest of the bibliographic record.

Subjects (6XX)

See Electronic resource subject headings.

System details (753)

For videogames, always enter one of these terms in ‡a, exactly as they appear here, with no final punctuation:

• Nintendo 3DS
• New Nintendo 3DS
• Nintendo DS
• Nintendo GameCube
• Nintento Wii
• Nintento Wii U
• PlayStation 2
• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation Vita
• Xbox
• Xbox 360
• Xbox One

Sample records

• CD-ROM game sample
• Rosetta Stone language course CD-ROM sample
• DVD-ROM game sample
• Nintendo GameCube video game sample
• Nintendo Wii video game sample
• PlayStation 2 video game sample
• PlayStation 3 video game sample