Software, computer games, and videogames

Local exceptions, guidelines, and reminders for cataloging software and computer games, such as CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, Blu-ray videogames, and diskettes.

Additional physical fixed field (007)

The fifth position of this field (007 ‡e in OCLC WorldCat) is normally coded g for 4 ¾ in. discs. Code Nintendo GameCube discs as z, as they are much smaller.

Stock number (037)

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

As of February 17, 2016, this change has been approved in concept by the SCRAP committee, but the exact wording is still being adjusted. Please follow the changed rule(s). Please send any feedback to SCRAP.

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. Record publishers numbers in 028 (indicators 52), not 037.

General material designation (245 ‡h)

In general, for AACR2 records use [electronic resource (Carrier)], where "Carrier" is Disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray DVD-ROM.

For AACR2 videogame records, use [electronic resource (Platform)], where "Platform" is GameCube, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PSP, Wii, Wii U, Xbox, Xbox 360, or Xbox One.

Examples:

[electronic resource (Disk)]
[electronic resource (CD-ROM)]
[electronic resource (DVD-ROM)]
[electronic resource (Blu-ray DVD-ROM)]
[electronic resource (PlayStation 3)]
[electronic resource (Wii)]
[electronic resource (Xbox 360)]

If an AACR2 record has the proper GMD equivalent fields, the parenthetical qualifier may be omitted: [electronic resource].

For RDA videogame records: Do not add a GMD. However, be sure to add the platform in an edition statement and 753 field, and "Video game" in a 380 field.

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)

Prefer to use terms in common usage (e.g. 1 CD-ROM, 1 DVD-ROM, or 1 Blu-ray disc) rather than AACR2R's formal terms (e.g. 1 computer optical disc), though the latter is still acceptable. Do not use 1 computer laser optical 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)

Be sure that types of requirements are in the order prescribed by AACR2R:

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

Do not trust that the order in a WorldCat record is correct.

Number of players note (500)

For videogames, record the number of players that the game supports.

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)

When an item has an ESRB rating, include that 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 the article on Electronic resource subject headings.

System Details Entry (753)

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

• 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