In general, do not abridge the title proper. Exceptionally, when the title proper is very lengthy and can be abridged without loss of essential information, omit less important words or phrases, indicating the abridgement with the mark of omission. Never abridge the title proper before the sixth word except in certain cases involving an alternative title: When the title proper is very lengthy and contains an alternative title, the entire alternative title may be omitted without regard for the number of words remaining in the title proper.

Extend the transcription of the title proper through to the end of the chief title of the publication. Apply this provision even if other elements (cf. 1B1, 1B3) precede the chief title. If the end of the chief title cannot be determined, break off the transcription at the first tolerable place, but in no event before the sixth word.

Jo. Danielis Schoepflini consil. reg. ac Franciae historiogr. Vindiciae typographicae

M. Georg Wolfgang Panzers, Schaffers an der Hauptpfarrkirche bey St. Sebald in Nürnberg, und des Pegnerischen Blumenordens daselbst Praeses, Aelteste Buchdruckergeschichte Nürnbergs

An act or law passed by the General Court or Assembly of His Majesty's English Colony of Connecticut ... on the seventh day of February ... 1759

Abridge a long title proper only if this can be done without loss of essential information. Never omit any of the first five words of the title proper (excluding the alternative title). Indicate omissions by the mark of omission.

In abridging a long title proper (see 1.1B4), omit first any alternative title and the connecting word (e.g., or), then omit inessential words or groups of words. Indicate omissions by the mark of omission.

Title appears as:

Revelation examined with candour. Or a fair enquiry into the sense and use of the several revelations expressly declared or sufficiently implied to be given to mankind from the Creation as they are found in the Bible

Title proper recorded as:

Revelation examined with candour …

AACR2 and DCRB essentially say the same thing, except from opposite ends—DCRB states the rule negatively ("do not do it unless …."), AACR2 positively ("only do it if …).

Even so, AACR2’s language is much more concise, stating the same rule in about a quarter of the space.

Since DCRB wants to encourage full transcription it is appropriate that the rule should be stated negatively, discouraging abridgement.

It is not clear to me what is wanted by "Extend the transcription of the title proper through to the end of the chief title of the publication." Does this mean abridge by omitting stuff in the middle, but not by deleting everything after a certain point? Does this added thought add anything important to the rule?

Keep the negative statement, but consider paring down the DCRB rule on the model of AACR2’s language.

Clarify "Extend the transcription of the title proper through to the end of the chief title of the publication."