Penn State University Libraries - Definition of Code "m" in the Leader/06

(from MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data)

m - Computer file

Code m indicates that the content of the record is for the following classes of electronic resources:

• computer software (including programs, games, fonts)
• numeric data
• computer-oriented multimedia
• online systems or services

For these classes of materials, if there is a significant aspect that causes it to fall into another Leader/06 category, code for that significant aspect (e.g., vector data that is cartographic is not coded as numeric but as cartographic). Other classes of electronic resources are coded for their most significant aspect (e.g. language material, graphic, cartographic material, sound, music, moving image). In case of doubt or if the most significant aspect cannot be determined, consider the item a computer file.

Since the choice of code in Leader/06 determines the type of 008, with code m in Leader/06, the 008 is for computer files and 008/26 contains the Type of computer file code. In cases where the resource is not considered a computer file (not code "m" in Leader/06), field 006 may be added with information on computer file aspects, particularly the Type of computer file (006/09). Note that field 007 is mandatory when the physical form of the resource is a computer file, as specified by Proposal No. 97-3R.