Folgerpedia:Manual of Style/Cataloging

In general, follow the Folgerpedia:Manual of Style when writing articles about cataloging topics.

Article titles, headings, and sections

Name articles without particular reference to cataloging. For example: Things in books, not "Cataloging sammelbands." This allows for an article to bring together all information about a topic, of which cataloging policy is one. If an article is too lengthy, cataloging policy can be separated into a subpage.
If an article is limited to cataloging policy, summarize the general policy in the lead section if feasible. Example:

MARC [tag] [name of field from the MARC format]

 MARC field XXX in the bibliographic format contains <...>

Copy the remaining part of the lead section from the Field Definition and Scope from the MARC format
If the field exists in two or more formats, enumerate all format names in the lead section using the short form. The formal and short titles of the format names are:
- MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data / bibliographic format
- MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data / holdings format
- MARC 21 Format for Authority Data / authority format
- For example:

MARC field 856 in the bibliographic and holdings format contains information <...>

Resist the temptation to put instructions in a syndetic structure. Aim for only two or three levels of hierarchy. Even if the lead section is not specific to cataloging, do not create a level for "Cataloging instructions."

These articles integrate policy and instructions on content and mark-up; we are using the MARC field as a shortcut for the corresponding AACR2 and RDA elements.
Elements of articles on MARC fields usually include:
- a section on "Policy and formulation," or as two separate sections if content is extensive
- a section on "Common tagging" containing the most commonly used indicators and subfields
- Folger policy statements, style, and interpretations of cataloging instructions, not cataloging training itself

Advisory statements come first on a page, preceding the lead section.
While a new article from scratch or one combining information from several sources is in process, add {{Draft}}. Remove it when the article substantially stands alone; that is, do not keep a draft advisory statement just because you want to add more stuff later
When copying and pasting from Bard pages or other sources and there's uncertainty about whether the instructions are current and authoritative, add {{Legacy}}.
When copying and pasting from Bard pages or other sources and it's known that some of the content is obsolete, add {{Outdated}}.

If none of the content of an existing Bard page is relevant (for example, pages made specifically for projects that have ended), do not migrate.