From DCRB to DCRM(B)

Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials (Books) (DCRM(B)) provides guidelines for cataloguing printed monographs of any age or type of production receiving special treatment within a repository (introduction, 1.2); in this it differs from its predecessor, Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Books (DCRB), which was intended to apply exclusively to pre-1801 imprints. The main changes between DCRB and DCRM(B) are summarised succinctly in the preface of DCRM(B), pp. 7-8: many of these either promote greater fidelity of transcription, or make provision for machine-press books. The list below, compiled by the UK Bibliographical Standards Committee (BSC) of the Rare Books and Special Collections Group, lists the major changes. The most significant are 4D2.1 and 5B9.4.

All rule numbers given below pertain to DCRM(B) unless preceded by the letters DCRB. MARC codes are to MARC21. 

Area 0: General rules
Area 1: Title and statement of responsibility
Area 2: Edition
Area 4: Imprints
Area 5: Physical description
Area 6: Series
Area 7: Notes