This appendix describes and illustrates models for recording data in multiple scripts in MARC records.  One script may be considered the primary script of the data content of the record, even though other scripts are also used for data content.  (Note:  ASCII is used for the structural elements of the record, with most coded data also specified within the ASCII range of characters.)  The general models for multiscript data that are followed with MARC 21 are described below.

Multiscript Record Models:

Model A:  Vernacular and transliteration.  The regular fields may contain data in different scripts and in the vernacular or transliteration of the data.  Fields 880 are used when data needs to be duplicated to express it in both the original vernacular script and transliterated in one or more scripts.  There may be unlinked 880 fields.

Model B:  Simple multiscript records.  All data is contained in regular fields and script varies depending on the requirements of the data.  Repeatability specifications of all fields should be followed.  Although the Model B record may contain transliterated data, Model A is preferred if the same data is recorded in both the original vernacular script and transliteration.  Field 880 is not used.

Model A data in the regular fields is linked to the data in 880 fields by a subfield $6 that occurs in both of the associated fields.  Specifications for field 880 are under that field; description of subfield $6 is in Appendix A; specifications for character sets and repertoires for scripts are found in MARC 21 Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, and Exchange Media.

Example Conventions:

Although the data in the following records are taken from actual community information, these records are included for illustration only and are not necessarily usable for community information purposes.  The creator of the community information records is not specified in these sample records.  Escape sequences are not included in the example records.

Select a model type to view the examples:

Model A - Vernacular and Transliteration

Model B - Simple Multiscript Records

See also:

Appendices