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The Metadata Standards Working Group recommends that Harvard catalogers use the appropriate MARC 21 numeric encoding level following OCLC's input standards for Full, Minimal, and Abbreviated Cataloging for all cataloging. This is a change from prior practice when certain numeric codes were not available to most catalogers. Please see below for background information.
In line with current practice, we are not recommending that staff change encoding levels unless that is already a part of their regular workflow (i.e., enhancing/upgrading a record). If no other changes are being made to the record, there is no requirement or recommendation to change the encoding level.
Please note: As of June 2018, Harvard recommends that all MARC bibliographic records be created in OCLC Connexion (please see Aligning the use of OCLC service offerings with Harvard Library organizational goals, approved by the Library Leadership Team in 2017). However, for those continuing to work in Alma, please note that these instructions apply to both systems.
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