Using the ALA Hex Set

You can enter special characters using an ALA hex set. A hex set is a code for a special character that you enter between ALA delimiters. (For a list of hex set codes, see ALA Hex Sets.) While some Public Access Catalogs (PACs) may be able to display only the MARC character closest in appearance to the hex set, the code remains in the bib record so that any utility that can interpret the set can display the correct character.

For example, if you want to enter the lowercase Icelandic thorn, enter the hex set for that character between two ALA delimiters:

After you move out of a subfield or save your record, Horizon displays the character correctly if the font you are using can display the character:

Horizon also exports the character in ALA hex code so that other computers can interpret it.

To enter special characters using an ALA hex set

1 Open a MARC record.
2 Put your insertion pointer where you want to enter a special character.
3 Choose Edit, Insert Delimiters, Embedded ALA.

Horizon inserts the delimiters and puts the insertion pointer between them.

4 Type the code for the special character that you want. (For a list of codes, see ALA Hex Sets.)

Horizon displays the code to the appropriate special character as soon as you leave the subfield or when you reformat or save the record.

 


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