From rgue@loc.gov Wed Feb 14 15:54:26 1996
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 1995 21:52:15 -0500 (EST)
Much of this debate (relative to Proposal 95-2) seems to assume that we
must choose between 655 and a possible new $v for form/genre access.
Lying behind "this" assumption is another one (IMHO) -- that f/g access
is unitary, and that one technique can be discovered which will sufficiently
provide it. I propose that we unpack this just a bit.
When a catalog user is looking for a particular subject content, manifested
in a particular bibliographic form, then a $v technique for providing such
access may prove to be very useful.
When a catalog user is looking for an item "primarily" in terms of its
nature as a manifestation of f/g, then use of 655 (or 755?) is appropriate.
The two types of needs are not identical and should not be conflated. These
two types of needs may be satisfied, for different patrons, by one item in
a collection. To use one of Martha Yee's examples, the Hearst Metrotone News
may be sought by one person as a newsreel "in and of itself", and by another
person who is primarily interested in Death Valley and secondarily interested
in aerial photographs of it.
I feel increasingly that we're pursuing a red herring in attempting to
decide which technique will take care of all of our needs.
I also feel that the discussion over whether or not to define $v for form
subdivisions should not become a debate over implementation timelines. I know
how important that all is, but letting that concern drive the decision is
putting the cart before the horse. The central question for me is, do we
want to allow ourselves the "power and possibility" of distinguishing form
from topical subdivisions, or don't we? I advocate that we approve the
subfield, allow ourselves the option, and then worry about implementation,
which can take as long as it needs to.
David Miller
Date: Wed, 1 Feb 1995 16:28:28 -0500
From: "Rebecca S. Guenther"
Reply to: usmarc@loc.gov
To: Multiple recipients of list
Subject: 655/$v both/and
From: C2_LEVLIB@NELINET.ORG
Subject: 655/$v: both/and
To: usmarc@loc.gov
Levin Library, Curry College, Milton, MA
c2_levlib@nelinet.org
dmiller@curry.edu