Free Blogger Templates

"Non-Latin script reference not evaluated" - Name Authority Record

September 18, 2025


The phrase "Non-Latin script reference not evaluated" indicates that a record in a library cataloging system, like a Name Authority Record (NAR), includes a name or reference written in a non-Latin alphabet, such as Hindi (Devanagari), Chinese, Cyrillic, or Arabic, that has not yet been reviewed and standardized. 

The note "Non-Latin script reference not evaluated" in a 667 field of a MARC authority record indicates that the non-Latin script variant access points (found in 4XX fields) within that record have not yet been reviewed and verified for accuracy and adherence to cataloging standards. 


Example:

Consider an authority record for a person named "Xi Jinping." If the record includes variant access points in Chinese characters (a non-Latin script), and these Chinese variants have not been thoroughly evaluated, a 667 field would be added with this note.

100 1# $a Xi, Jinping.400 1# $a 习近平. 667 ## $a Non-Latin script reference not evaluated.

In this example:
  • 100 1# $a Xi, Jinping. represents the authorized access point in Latin script.
  • 400 1# $a 习近平. represents a variant access point in Chinese characters (a non-Latin script).
  • 667 ## $a Non-Latin script reference not evaluated. is the note indicating that the non-Latin script variant (the Chinese characters) has not yet been evaluated for accuracy and consistency.
This note is typically accompanied by a specific value in MARC field 008/29 (Reference Status) to further indicate the status of the non-Latin script references. A value of "b" in 008/29 signifies that the tracings are not necessarily consistent with the heading and require evaluation.


Context in Cataloging and Authority Records

This note is used by catalogers at institutions like the Library of Congress and OCLC.

  • Authority records: These are used to establish uniform headings for names, titles, and subjects to ensure consistency across a library's catalog. They connect variant names (cross-references) to the single, authorized heading. (know more: Authority record)
  • Purpose of the note: When non-Latin script references were first added to name authority records, they were often automatically generated from existing bibliographic data. To distinguish these machine-derived references from those professionally reviewed, the note "Non-Latin script reference not evaluated" was automatically included.
  • Evaluation process: When a cataloger evaluates and standardizes the non-Latin references according to the appropriate rules (e.g., RDA standards), this note is removed from the record. 


Challenges for Non-Latin Script References

The need for this note arises from several challenges inherent to non-Latin scripts in cataloging:
  • Transliteration inconsistencies: A name can have multiple, equally valid transliterations into the Latin alphabet, which can obscure identity.
  • Cataloger expertise: Libraries often handle references in numerous languages and scripts. A single cataloger may not have the linguistic expertise to verify all of them.
  • Romanization rules: Standardizing transliterations (romanization) requires specialized rules, which, for many scripts, were not fully developed or consistently applied when the references were first added. 


Implication for Users

If you encounter this note, it means the non-Latin script reference may not be consistent with the most current cataloging standards, or that it has not been manually verified. This does not necessarily mean the reference is incorrect, but it lacks the official stamp of approval from an expert cataloger. 


References

1-Library of Congress, "Non-Latin Script Data in Name Authority Records: Frequently Asked Questions," https://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/nonlatinfaq.html (accessed September 18, 2025).

2-Library of Congress, "Updated SCS Policy Recommendations on Non-Latin Script Cross-Reference Special Coding Practice in the LC/NACO Name Authority File," https://www.loc.gov/aba/pcc/scs/documents/scs-recommendations-non-latin-script-cross-reference-coding-practice.pdf (accessed September 18, 2025).


Tags: