Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Music)

DCRM(M) - Draft rules

Working Introduction
to DCRM(M)

The original intended scope for these rules was to address early printed music--from the beginnings in 1501, through the supplanting of movable type by the engraving process.  Very soon after starting, however, it was decided that the manual would cover all forms of "historical" music publishing, including engraving and lithography.

With that decision made, there was still the question of whether to provide separate guidance for each of these processes or to make the guidelines inclusive of all printing processes.  The Joint Task Group (JTG) opted for an inclusive approach, believing that separate guidelines would make the manual long and unwieldy.

Somewhat later in the process, the decision was made to include guidelines for cataloging manuscript music as well.  These rules expand those for printed music where it is necessary to address characteristics specific to manuscripts.  In combining rules for print and manuscript music, the JTG kept to its concept of inclusiveness, believing that it would be possible to make the guidelines manageable, even with that added text.  (All textual changes related to manuscript cataloging have been highlighted in light blue, so that it is possible to identify those specific guidelines readily. This highlighting will show only through the draft process; it will not be retained for the final version.)  

As a result of the decision to include manuscripts, the scope of these rules has enlarged as well.  Now the intention can be stated more inclusively: these rules address both printed music starting from the invention of printing press and manuscripts from 1600 on.  (To include music in manuscript form prior to this period would require an entirely different set of rules, and would need to embrace the full manuscript tradition.)  It is also important to recognize as well that this scope covers music that falls into the purview of the MARC Music Format.  This means printed and manuscript music in score format and not, for instance, music found within textual works, such as examples or short musical pieces in the midst of primarily textual material. 

The most important information to convey here is that the JTG made the decision early on to work from the text of the Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Books (DCRB) wherever possible, then adapt them for specific music issues.  This was done because DCRB has a proven track record and because it accounts remarkably well for the transcriptive aspects of bibliographical description, while addressing cataloging concerns admirably.   The JTG wanted to ensure that the goals of DCRB were achieved in the music guidelines.  One way to reach that goal was to adhere to the text of DCRB (and later, its revision, Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books) --DCRM(B) ) as much as possible.  Therefore, much of DCRB/DCRM(B)'s text has been retained.  Of course, there are also places where music rules, decisions and best practices have also been used, in order to address the unique issues related to music materials.

Whether the rule was originally inspired by rare book cataloging or by music cataloging, one of the most important aspects of these guidelines will be the inclusion of appropriate, music-oriented examples.  Currently, there is a mix of examples: from DCRB/DCRM(B), from AACR2 Chapter 5, and those suggested specifically (thus far) for the current draft of these rules.  The JTG believes that real examples from existing music from the periods in question are the truest way to make these rules--and their rationale--clear.  Therefore, every effort has been made to ensure that the examples in green type have been taken from actual musical pieces.  In the ensuing guidelines, the examples following the rules have been color-coded--with an easily accessible legend--to show their derivation.  The JTG heartily welcomes any suggestions for music examples to add to these guidelines.

In its work, the JTG also believed that various appendices would be useful adjuncts to this process.  So, along with the index, a glossary has been started and so has a list of potential "standard citation" forms.  The JTG would appreciate suggestions for filling out either of these appendices.  If there is terminology that would be helpful for catalogers to comprehend better, please feel free to send it along, preferably with a suggested definition.  The same is true for "standard citations".  Please note that these have a distinct use in cataloging (see the introduction to the ACRL/RBMS Standard Citation Forms for Rare Book Cataloging, 2nd ed., for an idea of how these are used).  If you have ideas for further citation forms, please send them along.  An annotation as to their use for music cataloging would be much appreciated.

Please note that headings for additional potential appendices have been placed on the Table of Contents page, though some may not be realized in the end.

The JTG welcomes any suggestions that are inspired by a scan of this material.

 

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