Constructing the 856 field
General information
- The 856 field is repeatable to allow for recording different access methods, different versions of resources, and different file formats. In PANDORA, two 856 fields are included to record the URI of the resource itself, and the persistent URI of the archived copy. Text in the 'z' public note subfield provides identifying information about each URI. By convention, we cite the publisher's URL as the first 856 field (it is usually more current than our archived version).
- Make sure the URI in the 856 field for the archived version is the PANDORA persistent URI, not the the title entry page URL. The persistent URI is in the form: http://nla.gov.au/nla.arc-12345 where the number is the unique identifying element.
- There is no preferred order for input and display of subfields.
- Routinely include the URI of a resource in a 538 Mode of access note field, as the 856 field may only display fragmented access information depending on how it has been coded.
- If a resource has disappeared leave the URI in the catalogue record but change the public note to reflect the situation (i.e. subfield z = Electronic address not available when searched on [Date] or = [Dead URI]). In such cases change the 2nd indicator of the 856 field to 'blank'.
- Be careful to correctly code the 856 second indicator. 'Blank' is used when no direct link can be provided to the resource or no information is provided about the relationship of the 856 field to the bibliographic item, '0' is used to indicate a link to the live resource itself , '1' is used for a link to a version of the resource (in PANDORA's case for the persistent URL), and '2' is used for a related resource, not the actual or copy of the bibliographic item described in the record.
The following examples show coding the 856 field for commonly encountered access methods for resources and for the persistent PANDORA URL. See individual sections on cataloguing monographs, serials/integrating resources and collections for further details.
Examples of coding the 856 (Electronic location and access) field856 4 0 $z Publisher site$u http://www.ausflag.com.au/home.html (standard Internet resource) 856 4 1 $z Archived at ANL$u http://nla.gov.au/nla.arc-10218 (persistent URI for archived copy) 856 0 # $zSubscription required for receipt of .pdf files via email $umail to: abareproducts@abare.gov.au (Emailed subscription resource) 856 4 # $zElectronic address not available when searched on 8 Feb. 2002 $uhttp://animist2001.netgazer.net.au/index.htm (Internet resource has disappeared)
