Dear NACO Colleagues:
We would like to draw your attention to an update on the PCC Policy regarding Non-Latin references in NACO records. The PCC has decided to delay implementation of the new Non-Latin reference practice, and to defer publishing the proposed revisions to the DCM Z1 and other documentation. August 15, 2023 will no longer be Day One. Please continue reading for background information and important next steps.
On May 16, 2023, the PCC Policy Committee approved the Standing Committee on Standards' Policy Recommendations on Non-Latin Script Cross-Reference Special Coding Practice in the LC/NACO Name Authority File. This report proposed initial policy revisions resulting in an end to the long-standing practice in place since July 13, 2008, that required NARs with non-Latin Script References to be coded as "unevaluated," (008/29=b), even if the cataloger did evaluate those references in newly created or revised NARs.
SCS had originally recommended that the new practice go into effect on August 15, 2023, coinciding with the expected publication of the associated updates to the Descriptive Cataloging Manual Z1 (DCM Z1), the NACO Participants' Manual, and the LC Guidelines Supplement to the MARC Authority Format on that date.
The PCC has since charged the Task Group on Evaluation Guidelines for Non-Latin Script References in Name Authority Records. This new task group is charged to develop guidelines for evaluation of non-Latin script references, in response to a number of questions that have not yet been answered by the SCS's report or previous reports. The Task Group reflects deep experience in NACO work and in the relevant scripts, along with representation from several relevant script-based NACO funnel projects and other stakeholder communities. We thank the Task Group for their upcoming work on this long-awaited guidance.
In the meantime, there is continued uncertainty about how to implement the new practice since the SCS report was issued. Additionally, LC has since announced changes to the distribution of LC-PCC documentation. Therefore, the PCC has decided to delay implementation of the new Non-Latin reference practice, and to defer publishing the proposed revisions to LC-PCC documentation. Instead, the new Task Group will propose a new "Day One" implementation date, aligned with its completed recommendations. We currently anticipate the completion of the Task Group's charge in spring of 2024. This delay will also provide additional time to conduct testing of new guidelines, and develop training and FAQs. The SCS report has now been slightly revised to reflect this deferred "Day One."
Again, until the Task Group's recommendations are approved and a new "Day One" is announced, there is no change to current practice. Catalogers should continue the current practice of special coding for non-Latin script references (008/29=b + 667 notes).
We appreciate your patience and flexibility while the Task Group and the PCC continue this important work. If you have suggestions, concerns, or questions, you may contact the chairs of SCS or the Task Group. You may also consult the task group's page on the SCS wiki for ongoing information.
Feel free to share this announcement.
Thank you,
Matthew Haugen and Kelley McGrath
Co-chairs, PCC Standing Committee on Standards
Co-chairs, Task Group on Evaluation Guidelines for Non-Latin Script References in Name Authority Records