Module 3—Selecting the Main Concept: MARC Coding, MARC Coding - Example 1, and MARC Coding - Example 2
MARC Coding
- Topical terms are recorded in the MARC 650 field, using the second indicator “2” to show that they come from the MeSH thesaurus
- Primary subject headings are coded with a 650 first indicator of “1”, secondary subjects are assigned the first indicator of “2.”
- MeSH descriptors are generally recorded in 650 $a, topical subheadings are recorded in 650 $x (Cf. Module 4—Use of Topical Subheadings).
MARC Coding - Example 1
- A work on fire prevention in hospitals is coded as follows (both headings are primary)
- 650 12 $a Fires $x prevention & control
- 650 12 $a Hospitals
MARC Coding - Example 2
- A work on acupuncture for chronic low back pain (first heading is primary)
- 650 12 $a Low Back Pain $x therapy
- 650 22 $a Acupuncture Therapy
- 650 22 $a Chronic Disease $x therapy
Last Reviewed: June 26, 2015