Identifier

An unambiguous numerical or alphanumerical reference to the work or variant (FIAF 1.3.1/2.3.1/3.1.1)

Definition

This element records all identifying numbers associated with the object or group of objects.

A unique number must be allocated to every object or group of objects to enable identification. The number must be attached to the object or i’s container.

CALM	Sierra
Ref_no/PublicRef	b. number = unique identifier in Sierra (system number - delete)
MISC reference	Shelfmark = MISC reference
Barcode	Barcode

Rules

Each title is given a running number followed by a letter to denote the format e.g. F for film, V for video. Refer to this document for all variants.

Sierra bibliographic record

• 001

BMA952 (legacy identifier for British Medical Association items)

1234F

1235VM

1236A

• 524

Sierra item record

CALM record

• Each item is assigned a unique shelfmark to aid with location control and retrieval:

  • Each title is given a MISC number, while letters after the number denote a variation of that title, whether by format (e.g. F for film, V for VHS, etc.), or whether it is a master copy (M).

  • The MISC reference prints on the order slip and enables retrievals to find the item.

  • Use this spreadsheet to identify and record the next sequential MISC shelfmark number. Take the next available shelfmark from the relevant tab, then record the title to which the shelfmark has been assigned. If necessary, double-check the shelfmark in Sierra to make sure it hasn't already been used.

  • For multi-part titles, append a part number to the shelfmark, e.g. 2184F (1/4), 2184F (2/4), etc.

  • The item barcode provides the unique reference number for each physical item.

  • The b. number links each title to its corresponding record in Sierra, but this should not be used as a unique identifier as it is system-specific and not future-proof.

  • For titles that are catalogued as part of archive collections, the archive reference will enable the item to be linked back to its unique place in the hierarchy.

  • Digitised titles that are part of archive collections are given a separate item record in CALM, with the same reference but with an 'a' appended (e.g. SA/SCS/E/1a). This enables the physical version to be linked with the digitised version, even after the physical version is no longer viable.