008 Fixed-Length Data Elements (NR) (Variable Control Field)
Field definition and scope:
Field 008 contains fourteen character positions (00-13) that are positionally-defined data elements that provide coded information about the record as a whole or about data in field 153 (Classification Number). Each character position must contain either a defined code or a fill character ( | ).
These coded data elements are potentially useful for retrieval and data management purposes.
Field 008 is NOT repeatable.
Guidelines for applying content designators:
Field 008 has no indicators or subfield codes.
For 008 character positions and codes, select a topic:
008/00-05 Date entered on file
008/08 Classification validity
008/09 Standard or optional designation
008/10 Record update in process
008/12 Synthesized number indication
Input conventions:
Capitalization - Alphabetic codes are input in lowercase.
Field length - Field 008 should always consist of fourteen (14) character positions.
System-generated data elements - Data element 008/00-05 (Date entered on file) is usually system generated. System generation of other 008 data elements depends upon the capabilities of an individual system.
See also: