Parallel records

In OCLC's WorldCat, parallel records are multiple records for the same item, but with differing languages of cataloging for cataloger-supplied notes, GMDs, abbreviations, etc. These records exist chiefly because of bibliographic sharing deals OCLC has struck with foreign libraries such as NUKAT, the Polish national library. (The actual language of the item itself is irrelevant, as foreign libraries can and do also acquire and catalog English-language material.)

Only use English-language cataloging for the CCS database.. If the only records in WorldCat for the item in hand have non-English cataloging, create a new parallel record in WorldCat.

Non-English cataloging can be identified by the presense of a language code in 040 ‡b other than eng. A record with 040 ‡b eng or with no 040 ‡b at all is an English-language record.

Parallel records will usually contain a 936 field with one or more OCLC numbers of the other-language records for that item. If you find a record with non-English cataloging and a 936 field, try searching for the OCLC number(s) that are in the 936 field to see if there is already an English-language record that was not present or not obvious in your original search results.

If you find a record in WorldCat that has 040 ‡b eng or no 040 ‡b at all but has non-English cataloging (GMDs, cataloger-supplied notes, abbreviations, etc.), edit the master record to change the GMDs, notes, etc. to English and then load that record into the CCS database.

If you find a record in CCS that has an 040 ‡b that is not eng, find or create a record in WorldCat with English-language cataloging and then overlay the existing local record.

External links

• Slides from the OCLC webinar on Parallel Records (PPT) (Alternate source)
• Recording of OCLC webinar on Parallel Records (WMV)