ISBD for Manifestation

The units in a multiple unit manifestation are related in a hierarchical structure.

The diagram shows that for a multiple unit manifestation there is a choice of which manifestation units to describe as separate related manifestations and which to include in manifestation statements, extent attributes, or notes for the manifestation that is being described. Optional entities, manifestation statements, and notes are outlined by dashes.

For a manifestation that is published or produced in more than one unit, record at least one single description of the manifestation as a whole, or of one or more of its sub-units, or both.

If the whole manifestation is being described, record a has category of carrier element of one or more of the sub-units. This is mandatory.

Describe other physical characteristics of the sub-units of the manifestation by applying any of the following methods:

• Record a has sub-unit element.
• Record a has physical characteristic element or element sub-type.
  • Record a has extent of manifestation element or element sub-type.
• Record a has note on manifestation associated with manifestation element for one or more sub-units.
• Record a has note on physical characteristic element that includes information about one or more sub-units.
• Record a has manifestation statement element or element sub-type that includes information about one or more sub-units.
• Do not describe a sub-unit.

Describe a sub-unit with more than one method, if it is considered to be useful for users of the metadata.

If a sub-unit of a manifestation is being described, record a has category of carrier element of the sub-unit. This is mandatory.

Describe other physical characteristics of the super-unit of the manifestation by applying any of the following methods:

• Record a has super-unit element.
• Record a has note on manifestation associated with manifestation element for the super-unit.
• Record a has manifestation statement element or element sub-type that includes information about the super-unit.
• Do not describe the super-unit.

Describe a super-unit with more than one method, if it is considered to be useful for users of the metadata.

If no statement appears in the manifestation that distinguishes a sub-unit from other sub-units, describe the sub-unit, if it is considered to be useful for users of the metadata.