Oversize

Owned by Richard Ortiz
Last updated: Jan 30, 2024 by Ana Caliz Casanova
2 min read

Oversize and Miniature (Mini) Criteria and Treatment

What is Oversize?

Oversize is determined by height or width. If either of the measurements is larger than the standard measurement for that location, it is oversize. For example, a book with a G classification that measures 23 x 35 would be placed in oversize. This example is true for all locations.


Bird oversize definitions:

    • 30-41 cm is oversize -- location is normal location for that call number in Bird, subfield k OVERSIZE, then call number.
    • 42+ cm is  flat -- location is one of the bird,xl4 codes, subfield k FLAT, then call number.  

Exceptions:

  • For call numbers M (not ML or MT) or N-NX oversize begins at 36 cm.
  • For M3 only, oversize is over 38 cm.
  • Atlas Oversize is 31-50 cm
  • Width of shelves in Atlas Collection is 23 cm. Anything 23 cm and over in width goes to Atlas Oversize. (Atlas measuring 28 x 24 would go to Atlas Oversize) 

 Holdings location is maps,atlsf, subfield k Atlas Oversize, then call number

  • Atlas  flat is over 50 cm. The mfhd location for an atlas  flat is maps,atlsh, subfield k Atlas Flat, then call number
  • Per map librarian, if oversize Atlas item is unable to stand without flopping over, make it flat.

Carnegie oversize definitions:

    • 31-38 cm is oversize -- location is carn,over,  subfield k OVERSIZE,  and call number.
    • 39-74 cm is flat - location is carn,xl Subfield k is  FLAT and the call number.
    • The special TR oversize in Carnegie is obsolete as of June 21, 2017. DO NOT USE LOCATION carn,trovr.

ARR oversize definitions:

    • 32-36 cm is oversize -- location is arr subfield k OVERSIZE then call number.
    • 37 cm is oversize flat - location is arr Subfield k is  FLAT and the call number.


Other Oversize Facts

    • For multi-volume set, the largest dimension of any volume determines the location of the entire set. 

What is Miniature?

For all locations, books with a height of 17 cm or less are to be considered mini.

Previously, mini books were cataloged with their own location in Fine Arts Limited Access. This practice ceased August, 2012.

Current practice: end processing prints duplicate labels and duplicate barcode for miniature items, then send them to preservation for casing. These items do not come back to cataloging, preservation send them for shelving. There is no special location for minis.