Syntax Encoding Schemes (SES)
The ISBD Syntax Encoding Schemes define the formal structures and punctuation rules for each area of bibliographic description. These schemes ensure consistency and interoperability in cataloging practices across different systems and languages.
Overview
These encoding schemes provide:
- Prescribed Punctuation: Specific punctuation marks that precede each element within an area
- Element Order: The sequence in which elements should appear
- Formatting Rules: Guidelines for capitalization, abbreviations, and special characters
- Repetition Guidelines: When and how elements can be repeated
- Language Considerations: How to handle parallel titles and multilingual content
General Scheme
ISBD Syntax Encoding Scheme
Overall ISBD syntax rules that apply across all areas of description
Area-Specific Encoding Schemes
Area 0 - Content Form and Media Type Area
Content Form And Media Type Area
Encoding scheme for Area 0
Content Form And Media Type Statement
Statement encoding for Area 0
Area 1 - Title and Statement of Responsibility Area
Encoding scheme for Area 1
Compound Title Of Title Proper
Title proper encoding
Compound Title Of Parallel Title
Parallel title encoding
Area 2 - Edition Area
Edition Area Encoding Scheme
Encoding scheme for edition statements in Area 2
Area 3 - Material or Type of Resource Specific Area
Encoding scheme for Area 3
Mathematical Data Area
For cartographic resources
Music Format Statement Area
For notated music
Numbering Area
For serials
Statement Of Coordinates And Equinox
For cartographic resources
Area 4 - Publication, Production, Distribution, Etc. Area
Encoding scheme for Area 4
Place encoding for Area 4
Publisher encoding for Area 4
Statement Of Printing Or Manufacture
Printing/manufacture encoding
Area 5 - Material Description Area
Material Description Area
Encoding scheme for Area 5
Specific Material Designation And Extent
Material designation encoding
Other Physical Details
Physical details encoding
Area 6 - Series and Multipart Monographic Resource Area
Encoding scheme for Area 6
Series title encoding
Series parallel title encoding
Area 7 - Note Area
Note Area Encoding Scheme
Encoding scheme for notes in Area 7
Area 8 - Resource Identifier and Terms of Availability Area
Encoding scheme for Area 8
Terms Of Availability Statement
Availability terms encoding
Resource Identifier Statement
Identifier encoding
Purpose and Usage
These encoding schemes provide:
- Prescribed Punctuation: Specific punctuation marks that precede each element within an area
- Element Order: The sequence in which elements should appear
- Formatting Rules: Guidelines for capitalization, abbreviations, and special characters
- Repetition Guidelines: When and how elements can be repeated
- Language Considerations: How to handle parallel titles and multilingual content
Relationship to ISBD Areas
Each encoding scheme corresponds to one of the eight ISBD areas (0-8), providing the technical specifications for how bibliographic data should be structured and presented within that area. The schemes work together to create a complete, standardized bibliographic description that can be understood and processed internationally.