Module 8. Designations (field 362, 500)
The designation distinguishes one issue of a serial from another. It may be a number, a date, or a combination of both. The designation is one of the most unique and important features of serials because it provides an identification for each issue that allows for recording and retrieval of the issue. Every AACR2 serial record must have a designation given in either field 362 (1st indicator "0") or field 500 ("Description based on" note) that represents the form as it appears in the first or earliest available issue in hand. When information is known about the first or last issue but the issue is not in hand, the information may be given in field 362 (1st indicator "1").
This module will discuss:
The relationship between field 362 and the "Description based on" note (field 500)
What constitutes a designation
Sources from which designations are taken
How to record information for the first or last issue when the issue is not in hand
How to record numeric designations
How to record chronological designations
Special problems associated with designations
How to "close off" the designation by recording the final designation
The use of notes to explain designations
8.1. How designations are used in online AACR2 records
8.2. What constitutes a designation?
8.3. Selecting the designation
8.4. Recording the designation
8.5. Special problems associated with recording the designation
8.6. Recording designations from later issues
See also:
