Statewide Cataloging Best Practices

Large Print vs. Larger Print Recommendations

Large print is intended for use by the visually impaired and though LOC doesn’t specify a font size, The National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled says that, “Large print materials are most commonly available in 16- to 18-point type.” Therefore “Larger” print does not fit the specifications for Large Print format materials.

MARC FieldGuideline - Follow Recommendations for Standard Print and include bolded fields for Larger Print.
Fixed fields: LDR, 007, 008Fixed fields should be as complete and accurate as possible: format, language, audience, and other pertinent discovery details are derived from these fields. Leave Form item blank in 008. May require editing to ensure optimal discovery.
020Appropriate identifying number 020. Consider adding subfield q (Example: $q larger print ; $q paperback)
040Add when known
082Add Dewey number to nonfiction
1XXInclude relationship designator (Example: $e author)
245Title statement and statement of responsibility. 
246Titles with numbers, alternate spellings, split words. Use when relevant.
250Edition statement if appropriate. (Example: [Larger print edition])
264Publication information - As complete as possible
300Physical description. Include pages without larger print mention. 
3xxFollow RDA. (Common examples found in Appendix B) Consider adding 340 with or without font size 
4XXTranscribe series if present
5XXEnter the following notes if applicable:
500 - General notes
520 - Summary statement
521 - Audience
505 - Contents
588 - Source of description if applicable 
6XXUse at least one controlled LC subject heading and additional headings as appropriate. 
Include juvenile subheadings as appropriate
Consider including 65x field with “Young adult fiction.” or “Young adult literature.” if appropriate 
Use at least one 655 LC genre heading. Do not include the large print books genre heading if only larger print.
Consider use of local subjects or genres as appropriate
7XXUse relationship designators when appropriate. (Example: $e illustrator.)
8XXIf series is traced

Table of Contents