Summary note

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.

Summaries (MARC tag 520) are used for all children's materials. They are also recommended for all materials whose contents cannot be physically browsed, such as audiobooks and videorecordings. A summary note is not required if an existing contents note is descriptive of the nature and the scope of the work.

How to write a summary

Using 25 words or less, capture the most important plot, theme, or subject elements of a work. Focus on the work's scope and contents. Describe unique aspects of the work and justify assigned subject headings. Use terms that will provide relevant keyword access. Do not begin with an article. Try to begin with a hook sentence (something to get their attention). The summary must not be critical nor laudatory of the material or its contents or be so vague as to tell nothing about the topic. Use language understandable to children. Include sequel information when appropriate.

For more guidelines on how to write a good summary, see the Library of Congress' CIP Survey Report, Appendix B: CIP guidelines for summaries, Section III.