NISO Holdings Punctuation

Angle brackets < > Encloses the Specific Extent Note blank on either side <Water-damaged>
Blank Indicates separation of data elements within an area v.1-9 10 <Tables> 
  11 <Index>
Colon : Separates two orders or levels of hierarchical bibliographical units. Blanks are not used before or after the colon. v.1:pt.1
  v.1:no.1:pt.1
Comma , Indicates a gap in a range of holdings. Blanks are not used before or after the comma. v.1,v.3
Equal sign = Separates alternative numbering schemes. Blanks are not used before or after the equal sign. v.2:no.5=fasc.15
Forward slash / Indicates combined numbering, combined v.1/2 (diagonal) chronology or non-calendar year chronology data. Blanks are not used before or after the diagonal. v. 1/2
1969/1970
Hyphen - Indicates an unbroken range of holdings or open holdings. Blanks are not used before or after the hyphen. v.1-3
v.1-
 
Parentheses ( ) Separates enumeration and chronology when the data are recorded together. Parentheses are neither preceded nor followed by a blank. v.1(1983)
Plus sign + Separates a basic bibliographic unit from a subsequent one or from a secondary bibliographic unit. Blanks are used before and after a plus sign. 1 v. + 1 disk
  “Teacher’s Guide” 1 v. + 1 sound casette
Question mark ? Indicates unknown digit(s) of a date when either the decade and/or year are not known. A blank is not used before the question mark; a closing question mark is followed by a blank. 1950-197?
18??
Quotation mark s “ “ Encloses the Name of Unit. The opening quotation mark is always preceded by a blank; the closing quotation mark is always followed by a blank. “Index”
Semicolon ; Indicates a non-gap break. Blanks are not used before  v.1-4;v.6
or after the semicolon.
Square bracket s [ ] Encloses supplied enumeration or chronology. The opening square bracket is always preceded by a blank; the closing square bracket is always followed by a blank. [1981/1982]
 
 
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© NISO
Area, content of holdings statements, and physical form designations    
Table 3.1: Punctuation Used in the Extent of Holdings Area