WYLD TECHNOTE 003: Subfield z in call numbers

Valid use of subfield z
Subfield z separates the base call number from the part of the call number that is unique to that particular item. Therefore subfield z (|z) in the call number should be used only for the analytical portion of the call number (volume, part, number, year, etc.).

It is the combination of subfield z in the call number and the classification scheme that enables the system to sort and display multi-part call numbers in consecutive numerical order. However, not all classification schemes will enable the system to sort correctly. The ASIS classification scheme does not sort correctly when used with the call number subfield z.

If entering a set of volumes, such as an encyclopedia, the classification scheme must be the same for all volumes. If a single volume is entered with a classification scheme that differs from that used for all the other volumes, that single volume will likely not sort in consecutive order with the others. Spacing and punctuation must also be consistent within the subfield z in order to ensure correct consecutive sorting. See Technote 002 for further information. In WYLDCAT, these inconsistencies make the placing of hold requests more difficult since the volumes don't appear consecutively thus leading patrons to believe that specific volumes may not be owned.

Example of correct sorting of subfield z:

Example of incorrect sorting of subfield z due to inconsistent spacing:

 

Invalid use of subfield z
Some item records in WYLD have information in the call number subfield z that is not appropriate for that subfield. When the enumeration field of an item record in DRA was migrated to SIRSI the information of that field was transferred to the subfield z of the call number. Because the enumeration field in DRA was used for a variety of different notations (copy numbers, notes for donations or gifts, etc), this has resulted in sorting problems in both WYLDCAT and in Workflows.

Example of subfield z with inappropriate information:

If subfield z of the call number is incorrectly used to designate a copy number instead of volume information, a copy level hold can not be placed on other copies of that title because each copy has a separate call number record. See Technote 96 for details on transferring copies to a single call number to correct this problem.

Example of copy number entered in subfield z:

In WYLDCAT hold requests can not be placed against specific volumes or parts of a title if the subfield z has been used incorrectly or hasn't been used at all when it should have been. If a library has used only one call number for all its volumes of an encyclopedia, all the volumes will appear as copies under that single call number. This makes it impossible for a patron to place a hold against a specific volume number of that encyclopedia set.

Example of volumes entered as copies of a single call number:

While clean-up of invalid subfield z information can be labor intensive in some instances, it is highly encouraged as doing so will greatly benefit both the WYLDCAT patron and library staff alike.