Instructions on using MusCat
Introduction
The following guidelines provide instructions for manually adding descriptions for music manuscripts and published music to RISM's online catalogue using MusCat. The instructions follow the structure of MusCat's data entry form while referencing the corresponding RAD fields or other sources of information. MusCat uses the MARC standard.
General Guidance
Archives staff should consult the guidelines provided by RISM for adding manuscripts and published music with MusCat. See RISM's MusCat Tutorials.
Archives staff should also consult the Dalhousie University Archives' guidelines for the archival description of Music Manuscripts and Published Music. Sources should be catalgoued in AtoM before they are added to RISM. Information from AtoM should be copied into the appropriate MusCat fields indicated below.
The procedure for adding music manuscripts differs from that for published music. Please follow the appropriate guidelines.
Always include a link to the University Archives catalogue record in each MusCat record.
Ensure that the information provided in MusCat corresponds to that in the University Archives' catalogue.
The library siglum assigned by RISM to Dalhousie University, Killam Memorial Library, Music Collection is CDN-Hu.
For individual scores or parts, the item-level description in AtoM should map to the new record in RISM (e.g., Chopin's Impromptu, Op. 36). If the score and parts, or multiple parts, of a work are held by the Archives, the complete work should be described at the file or series level in AtoM and this file- or series-level description should map to the new record in RISM (e.g., Mozart's Piano Concerto, K. 488 and Barry Guy's Nasca Lines).
Music Manuscripts
For music manuscripts, always create a new record.
After logging in to MusCat, the user will be brought to a page that lists all catalogued sources. To add a new source click "Create" under "Actions" on the right-hand side of the page.
Select "Music manuscript" from the list of available templates.
Then, fill out the form as described below. The example is derived from the autograph manuscript of Concerto para piano e orquestra by Heitor Villa-Lobos (MS-5-2, Box 6, Folder 1). See the completed RISM record here.
Notes:
Not all possible MusCat fields are included, only those relevant to cataloguing Dalhousie University Archives' music manuscripts
RAD's general rules for description (Chapter 1) and those for textual records (Chapter 3) are referenced under "Corresponding RAD Field," wherever possible. When there is no corresponding RAD field, the alternate source of information is indicated under "Dalhousie Guidance."
Each field is indicated as mandatory or optional based on those fields which are mandatory for RISM records and those deemed mandatory by the Dalhousie University Archives for cataloguing music scores and sheet music.
Fields automatically generated by MusCat are not described.
Library information and relations
MusCat Field (MARC) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Library Siglum (852 $a) | (Repository Field) | Mandatory field. Use the siglum assigned to the Dalhousie University Archives by RISM | CDN-Hu |
Shelfmark (852 $c) | (Identifier Field) | Mandatory field. Use the identifier provided in AtoM with the fonds, box, and folder numbers. | MS-5-2, Box 6, Folder 1 |
Provenance (852 $z) | (Name of collection or fonds) | Mandatory field for Dalhousie University Archives. Indicate the name of the fonds that includes the manuscript. | Ellen Ballon fonds |
Access restrictions (506 $f) | 1.8B16a 3.8B17 | Optional field. Enter if relevant. |
|
Provenance note (561 $a) | 1.7C 3.7C | Optional field. The provenance note may not be included at the File or Item level in AtoM, but can be added from the Fonds-level description, if desired. | Item is part of the Ellen Ballon fonds. Fonds was acquired in 1971 from Colonel Bullock, Ellen Ballon's widower. Ellen Ballon's niece and nephew, the Goldblooms, aided in sorting through the collection before its donation. |
Source of acquisition note (541 $a) | 1.8B12 3.8B13 | Optional field. As with the provenance note, the source of acquisition may be located in the Fonds-level description in AtoM. |
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Date of acquisition (541 $d) | 1.8B12 3.8B13 | Optional field. If a source of acquisition note is entered, the date of acquisition may be entered here. In RAD, this information is included in the "Immediate source of acquisition" note. |
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Accession number (541 $e) | (Accession number) | Optional field. If a source of acquisition note is entered, the accession number for the fonds or collection may be entered here. |
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Parent record (773 $w) |
| Optional field. Link to the parent record using its RISM number, if relevant. This field is used if you have a manuscript that is part of a collection (i.e., a source that contains more than one work). For example, see the 3 instrumental pieces by Alfred La Liberté. This record is a parent record, with three linked manuscript records: "Pensée tendre," "Prière," and "Dance-Song." |
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People and institutions
MusCat Field (MARC Standard) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Composer/ Author (100 $a) | (Creator Access Point) | Mandatory field. Select composer's name from the list of RISM authority records. If the composer does not already exist, create a RISM authority record following the instructions provided. | Villa-Lobos, Heitor |
Attribution (100 $j) |
| Optional field. If the composer of the manuscript is alleged, ascertained, conjectural, doubtful, or misattributed, select the appropriate option in MusCat's drop-down menu. If applicable, this information will be indicated in the Scope and content note of the AtoM record. |
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Additional Personal Name (700 $a) | (Creator Access Point or Name Access Point) | Optional field. If other people are associated with the work's creation, indicate them here, with their function. Multiple people can be added. Select from or add to the RISM authority records as necessary. | Ballon, Ellen |
Attribution (700 $j) |
| Optional field. See guidance for 100 $j. |
|
Function (700 $4) |
| Optional field. If an "Additional personal name" is included, select the appropriate option indicating their relationship to the manuscript: Arranger, Author, Co-composer, Composer cross-reference, Conceptor, Copyist, Dedicatee, Editor, Engraver, Former Owner, Illustrator, Librettist, Lithographer, Other, Performer, Printer, Publisher, Text Author, or Translator. Only one option can be selected. If an individual served multiple functions, add another instance of "Additional personal name" to indicate their second (and third, etc.) function. This information should be indicated in the Scope and content note or Cast note (if it refers to a performance) of the AtoM record. | Dedicatee Performer Former owner |
Additional Institution (710 $a) | (Name Access Point) | Optional field. For manuscripts, if the manuscript was known to be used at the premiere performance, link any relevant associations. | Orquestro do Theatro Municipal Theatro Municipal |
Department (710 $b) |
| Optional field. If a particular department of the institution had the connection to the manuscript, indicate it here. This information would be indicated in the Scope and content note or Cast note (if it refers to a performance) of the AtoM record. |
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Attribution (710 $j) |
| Optional field. See guidance for 100 $j. |
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Function (710 $4) |
| Optional field. See guidance for 700 $4. |
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Title and content description
MusCat Field (MARC Standard) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Title on Source (245 $a) | 1.1B1 3.1B1 | Mandatory field. Transcribe the title directly from the source. If multiple titles are provided on the source, transcribe the title given at the top of the score. Add any other titles provided under "Variant Title on Source". Read the guidelines provided by RISM on MusCat regarding the format and punctuation for this field; there are differences from that mandated by RAD (e.g., line breaks indicated by " | "). | Concerto para piano e orquestra |
Variant Title on Source (246 $a) | 1.1D1 3.1D1 | Optional field. If multiple titles for work given on the source, provide variant titles here. For instance, if the title on the title page differs from that provided at the top of the score (or elsewhere on the manuscript), transcribe it here. Note that, in AtoM, parallel titles are provided for non-English sources even if the translated title is not included on the source. Here, only include the translated title if it appears on the source. | Concerto for piano and orchestra |
Standardized Title (240 $a) | 1.1B1h | Mandatory field. This field is required by RISM. There is no RAD equivalent. Consult the list of RISM Standard Titles by clicking the magnifying glass (). | Concertos |
Scoring Summary (240 $m) |
| Mandatory field. Must be entered using RISM abbreviations for instrumentation. There is not RAD equivalent for this field. This information is provided in a General Note preceded by "Scoring summary: ". | pf, orch |
Subheading (240 $k) |
| Optional field. If the manuscript is a sketch, fragment, or excerpt, select the appropriate option from the drop-down menu. This information, if applicable, will be included in the Scope and content note of the AtoM record. |
|
Key or mode (240 $r) |
| Optional field. Select the key or mode of the composition, if it is written within the tonal or modal system. This information is provided in a General Note preceded by "Key: ". |
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Arrangement statement (240 $o) |
| Optional field. If the manuscript is an arrangement, select "Arrangement" from the drop-down menu. This information will be provided in the Scope and content note of the AtoM record, if relevant. |
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Opus Number (383 $b) | 1.8B11 3.8B12 | Optional field. Provide if available. For other numbers (e.g., Appleby numbers for Villa-Lobos), use MARC 690 $a and $n. |
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Catalog of works (690 $a) |
| Optional field. If an alternative catalogue number or opus number is given (e.g. "K' numbers for works by Mozart and Appleby numbers for Villa-Lobos), indicate the catalogue here and provide the number below. The catalogue should be entered in RISM's "Secondary Literature" database and assigned an abbreviation. | AppV |
Number/ page (690 $n) | 1.8B11 3.8B12 | Optional field. Enter the number (other than an opus number) assigned to the work in the catalogue indicated above. | W453 |
Subject heading (650 $a) | (Subject access point) | Mandatory field. Provide from list of RISM subject headings. Note that the RISM subject headings are more specific than those in AtoM. | Concertos |
Description summary (520 $a) | 1.7D3, 1.7D4 3.7D | Mandatory field. Include the scope and content note from AtoM record. | Item is the bound manuscript of Heitor Villa-Lobos' first piano concerto, dedicated to Ellen Ballon. |
Total scoring (594 $b) Total scoring, number (594 $c) |
| Mandatory field. Enter using RISM instrument abbreviations. No RAD equivalent. This information can be found in a "General Note" in the AtoM record, preceded by "Total scoring: ". If a general note of this description is not provided, the total scoring for the work is the same as the "Scoring Summary." Enter one instrument per line and indicate the number of unique parts for each. For example, "vl (2)" indicates that the score includes a Violin 1 and Violin 2 part. | pf, vl (2), vla, vlc, bc, arp, fl (2), fl.picc, ob (2), cl (3), cor inglese, fag (2), contra-fag, cor (4), tr (3), tr (4), tuba, timp, stck (2) |
Language Code (041 $a, $e, $g, $h) | 1.8B14 3.8B15 | Optional field. If the work includes a libretto or accompanying material, indicate the language here. Do not indicate the language of instrumental works. |
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Language note (546 $a) | 1.8B14 3.8B15 | Optional field. This field can be used to note languages used in instrumental works. | Textual elements of score are written in Portuguese. |
Material description
MusCat Field (MARC Standard) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Source type (593 $a) |
| Mandatory field. Select from drop-down list to indicate whether the manuscript is an autograph or manuscript copy, etc. There is no RAD equivalent. Extract this information from the RAD Scope and content note. | Autograph manuscript |
Date (260 $c) | 1.4B1 3.4B1 | Mandatory field. Indicate the date of the manuscript's creation. | 1945 |
Coded date (033 $a) | 1.4F | Optional field. If a Note on performance (518 $a) is included, enter the date of the performance here, formatted as YYYYMMDD. This information will be provided in the RAD cast note, if applicable. | 19461011 |
Date type (033 - First indicator) |
| Optional field. If a coded date (033 $a) is included, indicate whether the date is a single date, multiple single dates, or a range of dates. | Single date |
Format, extent (300 $a) | 1.5B1 3.5B1 | Mandatory field. Indicate the number of scores (or parts) and the number of pages. Format as shown in the example. Note that the punctuation differs from that in RAD. If the manuscript is a part (i.e., solo instrumental work), do not indicate the extent here; the extent for parts is indicated under 590 $b. | 1 score: 211 p. |
Other physical details (300 $b) | 1.5C1 3.5C1 | Optional field. Record the presence of illustrations or other supplemental elements (e.g., advertisements, portraits, etc.). Note that the punctuation differs from that in RAD. See MusCat's guidelines for further details. |
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Dimensions (300 $c) | 1.5D1 3.5D1 | Optional field. Include the length and width of the manuscript in cm. | 35.5 x 28 cm |
Parts held (590 $a) Extent (590 $b) |
| Optional field. This field is required if the source contains parts. Enter each instrument family per line, with instruments separated by commas. Indicate the number of parts per instrument, also separated by commas. There is no RAD equivalent. Information can be found, if relevant, in a General note in AtoM preceded by "Parts held: ". |
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Incipits
Do not use at this time.
References and notes
MusCat Field (MARC Standard) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
General note (500 $a) | 1.8B21 3.8B22 | Optional field. If there are other notes about the manuscript that do not fit in specific notes fields below, include them here. Note that RAD General notes are also used for other MusCat fields with prescribed opening statements (e.g., "Scoring summary: ", "Key: ", etc.). If a general note is included without an prescribed opening statement, it should be included here. | Parts for each instrument, copied by Henrique Martins and Fran Averede and used for early performances of the concerto, are also part of the Ellen Ballon fonds at the Dalhousie University Archives. See the Dalhousie University Archives catalogue. |
Contents note (505 $a) |
| Optional field. If work contains multiple titled movements or pieces, these can be listed here. This information will be included in a General note in the AtoM record preceded by "Contents: ". |
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Supplementary material (525 $a) | 1.8B20 3.8B21 | Optional field. Enter a description of any associated materials, as described in AtoM. | Notes relating to the transcription of Villa-Lobos' piano concerto from records made at Dallas, Texas, were originally stored inside the back cover of the bound autograph manuscript. See MS-5-2, Box 2, Folder 3 at the Dalhousie University Archives. |
Location of performance (651 $a) | (Place access point) | Optional field. For manuscripts, if the location of performances using the manuscript are known, indicate them here. | Rio de Janeiro |
Note on performance (518 $a) | 7.8B5b (Cast note) | Optional field. If a place of performance is indicated above, include a note explaining the circumstances here (i.e., premiere performance). The date of the performance should be added in 033 $a. | The concerto premiered on October 11, 1946 at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro, featuring Ellen Ballon as the piano soloist with Heitor Villa-Lobos conducting the Orquestra do Teatro Municipal. |
External resource URL (856 $u) | (URL of AtoM record) | Mandatory field for Dalhousie University Archives. | https://findingaids.library.dal.ca/concerto-para-piano-e-orquestra-miss-ellen-ballon-h-villa-lobos |
Note about external resource (856 $z) |
| Mandatory field for Dalhousie University Archives. State, for instance, "Digital copy available via Dalhousie University Archives catalogue," or, "For more information, see the Dalhousie University Archives catalogue." There is no RAD equivalent for this field. | Digital copy available via Dalhousie University Archives catalogue. |
Administration
A RISM ID number will automatically be assigned to the record.
Record Actions
Once the record is complete, select "Published" from the drop-down menu and "Save and close" from the right-hand toolbar. Review the published record and exit.
Published music: Add holding to existing record
For published music, first check to see if the version held by the University Archives is already catalogued in RISM (i.e., held at another institution). Ensure that the title, composer, publisher, date of publication, extent, etc. match the version that you are cataloguing. You can either search for records using the filters on the right-hand panel under the "Sources" tab, or go to a "Faceted Search".
If you find a match, follow these instructions for adding a holding to an existing record. If not, skip to the next section for instructions on creating a new record for published music.
Once you have located the correct record, click "Add holdings" under "Actions" on the right-hand panel:
Existing holdings are listed by library siglum and shelfmark under "Exemplar Information" on the right-hand side of the page:
When adding a holding to an existing record, only certain fields are available. Fill in the following fields indicated below and be sure to only add information that pertains to the copy held by the Dalhousie University Archives, not the publication as a whole.
The example is derived from the print score for Concerto No. 5, opus 82 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (MS-5-2, Box 6, Folder 2). See the existing record on RISM for this publication: https://opac.rism.info/search?id=00000990044372&View=rism.
Library information and relations
MusCat Field (MARC) | Corresponding RAD Field | Dalhousie Guidance | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Library Siglum (852 $a) | (Repository Field) | Mandatory field. Use the siglum assigned to the Dalhousie University Archives by RISM. | CDN-Hu |
Shelfmark (852 $c) | (Identifier Field) | Mandatory field. Use the identifier provided in AtoM with the fonds, box, and folder numbers. | MS-5-2, Box 6, Folder 2 |
Provenance (852 $z) | (Name of fonds or collection) | Mandatory field for Dalhousie University Archives. Indicate the name of the fonds that includes the manuscript. | Ellen Ballon fonds |
Access restrictions (506 $f) | 1.8B16a 3.8B17 | Optional field. Complete if relevant. |
|
Provenance note (561 $a) | 1.7C 3.7C | Optional field. The provenance note may not be included at the File or Item level in AtoM, but can be added from the Fonds-level description. | Item is part of the Ellen Ballon fonds. Fonds was acquired in 1971 from Colonel Bullock, Ellen Ballon's widower. Ellen Ballon's niece and nephew, the Goldblooms, aided in sorting through the collection before its donation. |
Source of acquisition (541 $a) |