Software, computer games, and videogames

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.

Publish numbers or Platform number (024/028)

Record platform numbers in either the 024 or 028 field. When using the 028, the indicators should be 5 and 2. OLAC's recommended practice is to record platform numbers that are not associated with a publisher in the 024 field with a first indicator of 8 to indicate an unspecified number or code. Either field is allowable in the CCS catalog.

Examples:

028 52 30197‡bKonami
024 8  RVL-RMKE-USA-BO‡q(label)
024 8  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

Title of PDR (245)

For on-order records or PDRs only, add the videogame platform as it appears in the 753 field after the title in parentheses. This will ensure that acquisitions staff receive and invoice the correct line item. This will be removed from the final record.

Examples:

245 00 Donkey Kong country: tropical freeze (Nintendo Wii U)
245 00 Donkey Kong country: tropical freeze (Nintendo Switch)

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. If the item's container states "PlayStation VR," include both the platform and PlayStation VR in the edition statement. If an item is compatible with more than one platform, like XBOX One and XBOX Series X, include both platforms in the 250 field. If an upgrade disc is required to make a disc compatible with a different system, like a PS4 game that can be upgraded for PS5, do not include both platforms in the 250 field.

Examples:

250  Xbox 360.
250  Legendary edition, PS4.
250  PS4, PlayStation VR.
250  Xbox One, Xbox series X.

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.

538    System requirements: Playstation 4 game console ; 12 GB minimum hard drive space ; Playstation VR ; Playstation Camera ; Playstation Move.

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).
500    "PlayStation VR is not for use by children under age 12"--Container.
500    "VR games may cause some players to experience motion sickness."--Container.

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. When cataloging a PlayStation VR game, or other virtual reality game, include the local genre heading "Virtual reality video games." Additional genre headings are at Genre/form headings.

System details (753)

For video games, always enter the 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