UCLA Film & Television Archive Cataloging Procedure Manual--Voyager
The physical format codes in the MARC format apply to the item cataloged rather than the original work. This means that a film made in 1950 which is lacking a sound track would be described as a silent film in the 903 (300) and 866 $a fields. When dealing with a film made as a silent film, the original work should be described in a 500 nature/form note as:
The item cataloged should be coded in 007 bytes 4 (Motion picture format), 5 (Sound on medium), and 6 (Medium sound). Thus, if it has a music track, it should be coded as a sound film; if it has no track, it should be coded as a silent film. Assume byte 4 (Motion picture format) code f for nitrate prints and preprint and for safety prints and preprint made at UCLA for preservation purposes. Note that the phrase 'si. with music track' can be used in the 903 (300) and 866 $a fields.
When a playing speed is given at 24 fps (sound speed) for a silent film, do not use this playing speed in either 008 bytes 18-20 (Running time), or in the 903/866 $a fields. Instead, make an 866 $z ADDITIONAL PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: note: "Playing speed is 93 min. at 24 fps (sound speed)."
We also have a local subject heading for films made as silent films:
655 _ 7 $a Silent films. $2 local
Last modified: February 5, 2007, my