21.2C. Serials
Fluctuating Titles of Serials (Including Numbered Monographic Series):
If a serial has two or more titles that are used on different issues according to a regular pattern, or if the language of the title varies according to the language of the text of the issue, choose as the title proper the title given on the earliest issue. In a serial bibliographic record, give the other title as a variant title with an explanation of the title fluctuation. In a series authority record, give the other title in a see reference justified by a note or by a citation.
Use the same technique in other cases when a serial title fluctuates. However, in other cases usually confine it to situations in which:
1. it seems clear that the publisher did not intend to change the title,
or
2. most issues carry one title, but one or a few issues (either randomly spaced or in sequence) have another title. (Determine that the number of issues are "few" by comparing the number of issues with the other title with the total number of issues published.)
Situations Not Considered Title Changes:
1. Titles in more than one language or script.
a. Do not consider a title proper (as selected from the earliest issue) to have changed:
1. if the titles are in a different order on later issues; or
2. if later issues have a title in a language or script that did not appear on the earliest issue.
b. However, consider the title proper to have changed if there is evidence that the publisher intentionally changed the title. Such evidence may include, for example, a statement by the publisher or a new ISSN printed on the publication.
2. Unnumbered series. Since the titles of unnumbered series in French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, and the Slavic languages indiscriminately omit/include an introductory word (such as "Série," "Collection," "Seriia," and "Edícia") followed by a noun or noun phrase, do not consider the title of such a series to have changed if the difference is the omission/inclusion of such an introductory word.
3. Session laws of the U.S. States. LC/CONSER practice: Do not treat as title changes the changes in titles of U.S. state session laws (cf. LCRI 25.15A1 ). Instead, include variant title added entries for those later titles.
4. 17th-19th Century U.S. almanacs. LC practice: Generally, do not treat as title changes the random and frequent changes in titles of 17th-19th century U.S. almanacs. Instead, include variant title added entries for those titles.
See also:
