- Created by Ivan Kaproth-Joslin, last updated by Iman Dagher on Sep 28, 2026 3 minute read
The PCC Non-Latin Script Variants Pilot has launched to evaluate new approaches for the treatment of non-Latin script references in LC/NACO Name Authority Records. Pilot test records will include non-Latin script variants with BCP 47 language tags in subfield $7 and a 667 note identifying them as PCC testing records. Catalogers who are not pilot participants should not add additional non-Latin script references, change 008/29, or remove or edit 4XX fields containing subfield $7 or 667 notes identifying the pilot status of the records. See the full PCC Announcement of the Non Latin Script in NAR Pilot (.pdf, August 10, 2026)
Charge
Under the guidance of the PCC Standing Committee on Standards, the Non-Latin Script Variants in NARs Task Group:
Plan and conduct pilot testing according to established guidelines, and review/finalize the evaluation guidelines as needed.
Trial both Option 1 (application of 4XX $w and $i for readability) and Option 2 (application of 4XX $7 for machine coding), as well as any other options that may emerge during the pilot.
Develop and deliver training for both the pilot and official implementation phases, in collaboration with the PCC SCT. Evaluate and revise training materials as needed.
Review LC/PCC documentation and suggest recommended changes.
Identify categories of records suitable for machine processing and recommend tools to support this work, in collaboration with PCC SCA.
Recommend best practices for consistently implementing preferred non-Latin script references in bibliographic access points across communities.
Establish a target “Day 1” for implementation and develop a corresponding training timeline.
Resources
- Non-Latin Script Variants in NARs Task Group: Overview & Update, PCC Participants’ Meeting, July 16, 2026. slides.pdf
Evaluating Non-Latin Script Variants in NARs: Training Module, August 13, 2026. slides.pdf
Current work
Pilot Update (September 25, 2026)
The pilot began in early August 2026 and is currently underway. PCC pilot participants representing a range of non-Latin script and language communities are conducting pilot testing of the Guidelines for Non-Latin Script Variant Access Points in the LC/NACO Authority File. Testing includes applying and evaluating the Guidelines in different language and script contexts, as well as identifying preferred non-Latin script variants for individual languages. The pilot is anticipated to continue through December 2026. Feedback from pilot participants will be collected throughout the testing period and will inform the evaluation and potential revision of the Guidelines
Guidelines for Non-Latin Script Variant Access Points in the LC/NACO Authority File
Membership
| Member | Institution | TG Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
Iman Dagher | University of California, Los Angeles | Co-Chair, and Representative for Arabic NACO Funnel, and ALA/Core Committee on Cataloging: Asian and African Materials, CCDA |
| Shi Deng | University of California, San Diego | Co-Chair, and Representative for CJK NACO Funnel, and for Chinese scripts |
| Erica Chang | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa | Representative for CJK NACO Funnel Reference Project, and for Korean scripts |
| Bob Maxwell | Brigham Young University | Representative for Greek script, NACO trainers |
| Adam Schiff | University of Washington | Representative for NACO trainers and NARDAC |
| Jasmin Shinohara | University of Pennsylvania | Representative for Hebraica NACO Funnel |
| Naomi Shiraishi | University of California, Berkeley | Standing Committee on Standards Liaison, and representative for Japanese scripts |
| Larisa Walsh | University of Chicago | Representative for ACRL/ESS Slavic Cataloging and Metadata Committee |
| Jessalyn Zoom | Library of Congress, Acquisitions and Bibliographic Access Directorate, Asian and Middle Eastern Division | Representative for Library of Congress and ALA-LC Romanization Review Board |
Kevin Ford | Library of Congress, NDMSO | Representative for Network Development and MARC Standards Office (NDMSO) |
Yuji Tosaka | The College of New Jersey | Standing Committee on Training Liaison |
| Charles Riley | Yale University Library | Standing Committee on Applications Liaison |
| Rebecca Dean | OCLC | OCLC liaison |
| Gary Strawn | Northwestern University | Automation Consultant/Authority Toolkit Developer |
Full Charge (.pdf, November 18, 2025)
Link to Foundational and Background Documents from predecessor task group, "SCS Task Group on Evaluation Guidelines for Non-Latin References in Name Authority Records"
Preliminary Report (.pdf)
Progress Report (.pdf)
Final Report (.pdf)
- No labels
