Guide Contents
- Introduction
- Fixed Fields
- Catan Game Box Images
- Minimal Description with Recommendations and Rationale and Example Record
- Effective Description with Recommendations and Rationale and Example Record
- Maximal Description with Recommendations and Rationale and Example Record
- Related Resources
Introduction
This guide provides annotated examples of library catalog MARC records for the fifth edition of Catan, as published in 2015 by Mayfair Games. Even if you are not a cataloger, we hope that you are able to follow along and understand how and why we have described the game in the ways that we did.
The guide is designed with local cataloging in mind. If your library contributes to shared cataloging programs – whether you are a BIBCO member or just upload holdings to WorldCat – we recommend using this guide along with the program’s documentation so that you still adhere to the proper standards.
As well, watch out for how your local system formats MARC records. Our examples use MarcEdit’s formatting with some alterations to improve human readability, but whereas MarcEdit uses $ to note a new subfield, your system may use | or ‡, as an example.
Links to resources such as MARC documentation and OLAC’s Best Practices Guide are available here.
Fixed Fields
The Leader has a field noting the type of record (LDR/06). The character in this field should be r, indicating that this is a three-dimensional object.
The 008 field has a position identifying the type of (visual) material being described (008/33) – three-dimensional objects count as visual materials in this context. The character here needs to be g, indicating that this is a game.
Our examples do not include the Leader or 008 fields – if your system requires their inclusion, please refer to the LoC or OCLC documentation for assistance completing the other fields.
Catan Game Box Images
Minimal Description
This type of record is best for a library looking to add games to their catalog for basic finding and statistics. Use this format if you have minimal time or staff for cataloging your games. It utilizes only title and form as access points for patrons, and otherwise describes only the player count and estimated play time.
Recommendations and Rationale
| 245 0 0 $a Catan | The game title serves as the main access point for searching and indexing, and is taken from the cover. |
| 300 _ _ $a 1 game (various pieces) | This basic physical description is recommended in standards developed by OLAC. |
| 500 _ _ $a 3-4 players500 _ _ $a 60 minutes | Player count and estimated play time are two very important fields for users; this aids in their search and selection. |
| 655 _ 7 $a Board games. $2 lcgft | Another access point – use this one so that searching “board games” yields all your games! For the unaware, “lcgft” stands for “Library of Congress Genre and Form Terms”. It’s a distinct vocabulary set from Library of Congress Subject Headings, which is why you have to include the $2 subfield with the lcgft code. |
Minimal Example Record
245 0 0 $a Catan
300 _ _ $a 1 game (various pieces)
500 _ _ $a 3-4 players
500 _ _ $a 60 minutes
655 _ 7 $a Board games.$2 lcgft
Effective Description
This is the recommended record level, which aligns closely to the Original RDA concept of “Core elements and fields”. It includes fields for game collection, user count, play time, and age suitability. This will allow the library to track, advertise, and promote the board game collection as with other collection formats. Local libraries may customize records further to fit their own needs.
Recommendations and Rationale
| 100 1 _ $a Teuber, Klaus, $d 1952- 245 1 0 $a Catan | Catan can be primarily attributed to Klaus Teuber as a creator, so you should add him as the new primary access point. | IMAGE: Author & Title on Catan game box |
| 246 3 3 $a Settlers of Catan | The back of the box mentions the original title, which is useful as another access point. Articles such as “The” are not included in variant titles. | IMAGE: Alternate Title on Catan game box |
| 250 _ _ $a 5th edition | Games can change considerably between editions, so if you know which one you have in hand, record it. | IMAGE: Barcode on Catan game box |
| 264 _ 1 $a Skokie, IL : $b Mayfair Games, Inc., $c [2015] 264 _ 4 $c ©2015 | This is the publisher and copyright info. The first mention of 2015 is in square brackets, because the box does not mention explicitly when this edition was published, but we can assume it is 2015 from the copyright date. | IMAGE: 264 field information on Catan game box |
| 300 _ _ $a 1 game : $b various materials ; $c 22 x 16 x 5 cm + $e 1 instruction booklet | This physical description is expanded to include the box dimensions and list the instruction booklet as supplemental material. We have now also moved the note of “various materials” to the subfield $b, which describes “Other physical details” | |
| 336 _ _ $a three-dimensional form $b tdf $2 rdacontent 337 _ _ $a unmediated $b n $2 rdamedia 338 _ _ $a object $b nr $2 rdacarrier | These are the content, media and carrier fields required by RDA. If you were cataloguing a copy of UNO Braille, as an example, the content type would be “three-dimensional tactile form” instead. | |
| 500 _ _ $a For 3-4 players. 500 _ _ $a Playing time: 60-120 minutes. 521 _ 8 $a For ages 10+. | Along with the player count and estimated play time, we’ve added a target audience note listing the recommended minimum player age. | IMAGES: Player count, audience, and play time icons on Catan game box; Player count, audience, and play time text on Catan game box |
| 520 _ _ $a “Players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities and roads.” $c boardgamegeek.com | We’ve taken this summary from Catan’s BoardGameGeek page, but under RDA guidelines the box, instruction manual, and other components would be more preferred sources of information. | |
| 588 _ _ $a Title from cover | Note the sources of information from which you derive your description. | |
| 655 _ 7 $a Tabletop games.$2 gttg 655 _ 7 $a Strategy games.$2 gttg 655 _ 7 $a Area of control games. $2 gttg | These terms are sourced from the Genre Terms for Tabletop Games. | |
| 710 2_ $a Mayfair Games Inc. | Add an access point for the publisher. |
Effective Example Record
100 1 _ $a Teuber, Klaus, $d 1952-
245 1 0 $a Catan
246 3 3 $a Settlers of Catan
250 _ _ $a 5th edition
264 _ 1 $a Skokie, IL : $b Mayfair Games, Inc., $c [2015]
264 3 4 $c ©2015
300 _ _ $a 1 game : $b various materials ; $c 22 x 16 x 5 cm + $e 1 instruction booklet
336 _ _ $a three-dimensional form $b tdf $2 rdacontent
337 _ _ $a unmediated $b n $2 rdamedia
338 _ _ $a object $b nr $2 rdacarrier
500 _ _ $a For 3-4 players.
500 _ _ $a Playing time: 60-120 minutes.
521 _ 8 $a For ages 10+
520 _ _ $a “Players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities and roads.” $c boardgamegeek.com
588 _ _ $a Title from cover
655 _ 7 $a Tabletop games.$2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Strategy games.$2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Area of control games.$2 gttg
710 2 _ $a Mayfair Games Inc.
“Maximal” Description
Consider this as the maximalist record. Use this style if you have a large collection and need detailed disambiguation of materials. Best used when your collection contains multiple versions or editions, game expansions, or if you are aiming for 100% completion. As well, choose from these expanded fields at the cataloger’s discretion to add to a lower complexity record as needed.
Recommendations and Rationale
Identifier for Manifestation (Original RDA 2.15 – MARC 020, 024, and/or 028)
024 1 _ $a 029877030712
028 5 0 $a MFG3071 $b Mayfair Games
Call Number (MARC 050, 055, 082, 09x, etc.)
050 _ _ $a GV1469.C38 $b T48 2015
Creator (Original RDA 19.2 MARC 100)
100 1 _ $a Teuber, Klaus, $d 1952- $e game designer
Title Proper and related Statement of Responsibilty
(Original RDA 2.3.2, 2.4.2 – MARC 245)
245 1 0 $a Catan : $b trade build settle / $c Klaus Teuber
Variant Titles (Original RDA 2.3.6 – MARC 246)
246 1 _ $i Also known as: $a Settlers of Catan
246 3 _ $a Klaus Teuber’s Catan : $b trade build settle
Designation of edition (Original RDA 2.5.2 – MARC 250)
250 _ _ $a 5th edition /$b development team, Pete Fenlon, Arnd Fischer, Ron Magin, Benjamin Teuber, and Guido Teuber
Publication, Distribution, Or Manufacture Statement (MARC 264)
264 _ 1 $a Skokie, IL : $b Mayfair Games, Inc., $c [2015]
Copyright Date (Original RDA 2.11)
264 3 4 $c ©2015
Extent (Original RDA 3.4 – MARC 300)
300 _ _ $a 1 game (19 terrain hexes, 6 sea frame pieces, 9 harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 95 resource cards, 25 development cards, 4 building cost cards, 2 special cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, 2 dice, 1 robber : $b cardboard, wood ; $c in container 22 x 16 x 5 cm + $e 1 instruction booklet
Content Type (Original RDA 6.9 – MARC 336)
336 _ _ $a three-dimensional form $b tdf $2 rdacontent
Media Type (Original RDA 3.2 – MARC 337)
338 _ _ $a object $b nr $2 rdacarrier
Carrier Type (Original RDA 3.3 – MARC 338)
338 _ _ $a object $b nr $2 rdacarrier
338 _ _ $a card $b no $2 rdacarrier
Base Material (Original RDA 3.6 – MARC 340)
340 _ _ $a cardboard $a paper $a wood $2 rdamat
Notes (Original RDA 1.10 – MARC 5xx)
Player Count
500 _ _ $a For 3-4 players.
Intended Audience (Original RDA 7.7 – MARC 521)
521 _ 8 $a For ages 10+.
Duration (Original RDA 7.22)
500 _ _ $a Playing time 60-120 minutes.
Note on Statement of Responsibility (Original RDA 2.17.3)
508 _ _ $a Art, Michael Menzel, Pete Fenlon ; art direction and graphic design, Pete Fenlon, Michaela Kienle, and Ron Magin ; production, Ron Magin & Pete Fenlon.
Summarization of content (Original RDA 7.10 – MARC 520)
520 _ _ $a “Players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities and roads.” $c boardgamegeek.com
Title Source (Original RDA 2.17.2.3 – MARC 588)
588 _ _ $a Title from cover
Language of content (Original RDA 7.12, 008/35-57, MARC 041, 546)
008/35-37 eng
041 _ _ $a eng $h ger
546 _ _ $a In English; Original work first published in German.
Form of Work (Original RDA 6.3 – MARC 380, 655)
380 _ _ $a Board games. $2 lcgft
655 _ 7 $a Tabletop games. $2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Board games. $2 lcgft
655 _ 7 $a Strategy games.$2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Area of control games. $2 gttg
Contributor(s) (Original RDA 20.2 – MARC 700)
700 1 _ $a Fenlon, Peter C., $e contributor $e artistic director
700 1 _ $a Menzel, Michael $c (Game designer), $e artist
Other Names Associated with a Work (Person, Family, Corporate Body)
710 2 _ $a Mayfair Games Inc., $e publisher.
Maximal Example Record
024 1 _ $a 029877030712
028 5 0 $a MFG3071 $b Mayfair Games
041 _ _ $a eng $h ger
050 _ _ $a GV1469.C38 $b T48 2015
082 0 _ $a 794/.0284 $2 23
100 1 _ $a Teuber, Klaus, $d 1952- $e game designer
245 1 0 $a Catan : $b trade build settle / $c Klaus Teuber
246 1 _ $i Also known as: $a Settlers of Catan
246 3 _ $a Klaus Teuber’s Catan : $b trade build settle
250 _ _ $a 5th edition /$b development team, Pete Fenlon, Arnd Fischer, Ron Magin, Benjamin Teuber, and Guido Teuber
264 _ 1 $a Skokie, IL : $b Mayfair Games, Inc., $c [2015]
264 3 4 $c ©2015
300 _ _ $a 1 game (19 terrain hexes, 6 sea frame pieces, 9 harbor pieces, 18 circular number tokens, 95 resource cards, 25 development cards, 4 building cost cards, 2 special cards, 16 cities, 20 settlements, 60 roads, 2 dice, 1 robber : $b cardboard, wood ; $c in container 22 x 16 x 5 cm + $e 1 instruction booklet
336 _ _ $a three-dimensional form $b tdf $2 rdacontent
337 _ _ $a unmediated $b n $2 rdamedia
338 _ _ $a object $b nr $2 rdacarrier
338 _ _ $a card $b no $2 rdacarrier
340 _ _ $a cardboard $a paper $a wood $2 rdamat
380 _ _ $a Board games. $2 lcgft
508 _ _ $a Art, Michael Menzel, Pete Fenlon ; art direction and graphic design, Pete Fenlon, Michaela Kienle, and Ron Magin ; production, Ron Magin & Pete Fenlon.
500 _ _ $a For 3-4 players.
500 _ _ $a Playing time 60-120 minutes.
521 _ 8 $a For ages 10+.
520 _ _ $a “Players try to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by building settlements, cities and roads.” $c boardgamegeek.com
546 _ _ $a In English; Original work first published in German.
588 _ _ $a Title from cover
655 _ 7 $a Tabletop games. $2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Board games. $2 lcgft
655 _ 7 $a Strategy games.$2 gttg
655 _ 7 $a Area of control games. $2 gttg
700 1 _ $a Fenlon, Peter C., $e contributor $e artistic director
700 1 _ $a Menzel, Michael $c (Game designer), $e artist
710 2 _ $a Mayfair Games Inc., $e publisher.