Literary Author Numbers a/k/a "053 Numbers"

As a NACO library, UNMUL may request assignment of literature class numbers for authors of belles lettres from LC. Literary author numbers verified by LC are included in an 053 field in the authority record for that author. Authors who died before 1875 are not eligible for an 053.

The LC supplement to the MARC 21 Format instructs NACO participants to consult LC before using field 053 or to add a literary author number found on a LC bibliographic record. To indicate that the number is a verified LCC, NACO participants are asked to code the second indicator "0".

"A concerted effort is made by NACO participants to assure that LC and others will use their assigned "author number". This is accomplished by submitting a request to LC for verification of the number. This action triggers two results:

• The number once verified is added by the NACO participant to the 053 (2nd indicator 0) in the name authority record in order for that number to be associated with that author for all who use LC classification.
• The number is reserved in the LC shelflist assuring that LC will use this same number."

As LC does not now automatically add the 053 field to authority records it is possible that LC has already assigned a literature class number to an author.

A NACO authority record for the author must exist prior to requesting that LC assign a literature class number to the author.

Before submitting a request for verification of a literary author number:

1. search the LC online shelflist to determine if an author number exists
2. if there is no number for the author in LC's shelflist, find a cutter number that fits into LC's shelflist and, if possible, also into UNMUL's shelflist.

To search the LC online shelflist:

• Access LC's catalog online (catalog.loc.gov)
• Click on Basic Search
• Under Search Type, highlight Command Keyword
• In the Search Text box, key in the index code "05XX" and then the classification number to be seached, followed by a question mark (truncation mark):
  • Example: 05XX PQ8180?
  For a more specific search put the classification number to be searched in quotes:
  • Example: 05XX "PQ8180.13?"
• Press the Enter key, or click on Begin Search.
• The results of this search will be presented in a display that includes call number, name, (main author, creator, etc.), uniform title, and full title.

To submit the request for verification of a literary author number use the 053 web form found on the NACO home page.

Links to the LC catalog/shelflist and to the 053 web form are also found on the UNMUL Catalog Services Dept. web page.