This manual covers the major formats in nonbook cataloging: visual materials, sound recordings, maps, computer files, original microforms, electronic resources and kits. The descriptive cataloging of materials in these categories is explained in corresponding chapters. An additional brief chapter that discusses rationales for classifying or arranging nonbook material by accession number concludes the manual.

The presentation in each chapter follows a consistent and logical arrangement and is quite clear. Each area of the bibliographic description is commented upon and illustrative examples are provided. Following this is a series of full cataloged examples. Three displays for each example are provided: a bibliographic record in card format, a tagged and coded record in USMARC format (but without 007 tags), and a citation list to AACR2R and Library of Congress Rule Interpretations by MARC tags.

While the examples provide full records that include subject headings there is no discussion of choice and form of descriptive access points or of subject analysis. Likewise, there is no explanation of the USMARC tagging. Although it is very useful to provide rule and LCRI citations, the arrangement by USMARC tags for each example is somewhat confusing. It might be better to arrange this information in the first part of each chapter where the areas of the bibliographic description are discussed and to provide one master USMARC tagged worksheet for each format that explains the data elements for each tag. This would save space and reduce the redundancy now present. Because of the comprehensiveness of content, the reader might also benefit from an orientation to the arrangement of the text and examples, and to the specific objectives that the manual intends to achieve. The range of examples provided is quite impressive and is perhaps one of the strongest aspects of the manual. In this respect, the chapter on electronic resources is particularly noteworthy.

For these reasons, the audience for this manual will most likely be those who already have a basic understanding of AACR2R descriptive cataloging and the USMARC bibliographic formats. Such individuals will certainly benefit from the comprehensive array of nonbook cataloging examples. To facilitate learning, the reader should have access to AACR2R, LCRIs, and the USMARC bibliographic formats. This manual is a welcome addition to the literature of nonbook cataloging.

Published in 1993 by: Neal Schuman, New York (vii, 204 p.) ISBN 1-55570-124-8. $39.95 pbk.

Reviewed by:
Gary Rossi
University of California, Irvine