Software, computer games, and videogames

The rules on this page have been approved in concept by the SCRAP committee, but the exact wording is still being adjusted. Please use these rules. Please send any feedback to SCRAP.

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

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.

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

Edition (250)

Transcribe the video game 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 video game platform.

Examples:

250  Xbox 360.
250  Legendary edition, PS4.

System requirements (538)

Add equipment/system requirements in a 538 field.

Examples:

538    System requirements for PC: Windows XP, (SP2), Windows Vista (SP1) or Windows 7; 2.0 GHz P4 processor or equivalent for XP/2.4 HGz P4 processor or equivalent for Vista and Windows 7; At least 1 GB RAM for XP/1.5 GB for Vista/2DB for NVIDIA ION computers; at least 3.5 GB free hard drive space; DirectX 9.0c compatible video card with 128 MB video RAM and support for PixelShader 2.0. See packaging for supported video cards.

538    System requirements: XBox 360 with the NTSC designation; XBox Live account and internet connection.

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.

Genre headings (655)

Add terms from the OLAC Video Game Genre Vocabulary.

System details (753)

For video games, 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
• Nintendo Switch
• Nintendo Wii
• Nintendo Wii U
• PlayStation 2
• PlayStation 3
• PlayStation 4
• PlayStation 5
• PlayStation Vita
• Xbox
• Xbox 360
• Xbox One
• Xbox Series X