[XML4Lib] Question on trailing whitespace in MARCXML controlfield elements

[Mathias Kratzer]

Dear all,

is it valid to omit trailing whitespace in MARCXML controlfield elements?

Example:

   <controlfield tag="008">920219s1993    caua   j      000 0 eng</controlfield>

instead of

   <controlfield tag="008">920219s1993    caua   j      000 0 eng  </controlfield>


According to the MARCXML schema leader and controlfields are subject to "whitespace preservation", and for inerior whitespace it is clear why this is vital. However, any application could easily fill any missing positions with whitespaces by default. IMHO it is still _not_ valid to omit trailing whitespace - so my real problem is that I'm not able to find any sort of document that states "yes, doing so will let your MARCXML become invalid".    

I am completely aware of the fact that the LoC (as maintaining agency of the MARCXML standard) is the appropriate address for my question but the "Contact Us" link on http://www.loc.gov/standards/marcxml/// only led me to the general "Ask a Librarian" page. So I thougt this mailing list is probably the more direct way to ask the experts :-)

Best regards
Mathias


 

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)_______     Bavarian State Library
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)_______     Dr. Mathias Kratzer
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