Changes in the 2002 Edition

The 2002 edition is the first complete revision of the CONSER Cataloging Manual since its initial publication in 1993. While most of the revision focused on Part 1, all of the modules in Parts 2 and 3 have also been reviewed and revised. Changes reflect the 2002 revision of AACR2, new or revised LC Rule Interpretations (LCRI), and changes in CONSER practice over time.

In most cases, examples have been updated to reflect current policies and MARC tagging requirements; however, the online records have not been changed and the fact that examples have been updated does not signify any necessity to change existing records. Note that the leading $a has been added in the examples and the delimiter sign has been changed to a dollar sign ($) to match other Library of Congress documentation.

It is not possible to note every change in the manual. Every module was revised to clarify language and examples; only those with more significant changes are noted below. One change that will occur over time is the expanding scope of CONSER to cover continuing resources and not just serials. Since both BIBCO and CONSER will be responsible for the cataloging of integrating resources, a subset of continuing, it is expected that future modules on the cataloging of integrating resources will be added to the CCM. Module 31 will also continue to undergo change and a more significant revision is planned in 2003.

Module 0. Introduction to Continuing Resources. This is a new module that explains the concepts of continuing and integrating resources and how these have been incorporated into current standards and programs.

Module 1. Introduction to Serials Cataloging. Comparisons to integrating resources have been added, as well as to monographs. There is also a new section on publication patterns.

Module 2. What is a Serial? This module explains the revisions to the definition of serial and the expanded scope of Chapter 12 (AACR2) to cover resources of limited duration. (UNNUMBERED) It also includes new sections on changes of treatment to and from an integrating resource.

Module 3. Chief Source and Other Sources of Information. While there are now separate rules associated with determining sources, not much has changed for printed serials.

Module 6. Title Statement. This module reflects changes in the transcription of titles: the ability to omit introductory words (AACR2 1.1B1), and the preference for the full form of name over the acronym/initialism in all cases (AACR2 12.1B2). Another important change is in other title information. The rule now reflects CONSER practice and includes the option of giving the other title information in a note.

Module 7. Variant Titles and Title Added Entries. Examples of variants were changed to reflect the changes in rules for transcription of the title (see above).

Module 8. Numbering. This module has a new name and in many cases, "numbering" has replaced "designation" throughout the module (and in other places in the CCM). Instructions on use of the "latest issue consulted" note replace are included in the former section on field 936 in 8.1. The relaxed rules on punctuation are explained in 8.4.2b (e.g., the ability to substitute a slash for a hyphen). The expanded rule 12.3D1, which allows for supplying a date when there is no numbering is given in 8.5.1. Section 8.5.5. covers situations in which dates serve as numeric designations and includes a new provision (LCRI 12.3C4 ) that allows for the year to be recorded in both numeric and chronological positions. Two new sections, 8.5.7. Serials issued in revised editions and 8.5.8. Serials issued in parts have been added. And perhaps most importantly, section 8.7.2. covers successive numbering systems and the revised rule 12.3G1, which allows catalogers to supply [new ser.] in certain circumstances rather than making a new record.

Module 9. Edition Statement. The only significant change is that some changes in the edition statement will now be considered major changes and will require a new record, according to an LCRI (see section 9.5.2.).

Module 10. Publication, Distribution, Etc. Area. A number of small changes are reflected in this module and in examples throughout the module. All brackets will be given as closed brackets, rather than leaving them open with information is incomplete (10.1.2.). When the date is not given, the comma preceding it will also not be given (10.4.2b.).

Module 13. Notes. Catalogers need no longer restate the issuing body in the note when it is not in the statement of responsibility (13.5.3.). The section on summary notes was expanded (13.9.6.)

Module 14. Linking Relationships. Use of the new subfield $i display text is explained and given in 14.1.6. and in examples throughout the module. A new section has been added on linking to monographs and integrating resources (14.4.) and references to integrating resources throughout, as appropriate.

Module 15. Subject Headings. The section on MeSH headings was updated by staff at NLM.

Module 16. Changes that May Require a New Record. This module has undergone a major change! The concept of major and minor changes is explained in 16.1.1. A section on historical background of title changes was added (16.2.1.). The discussion of major and minor title changes (16.2.3. and 16.2.4.) have been completely revised to correspond to the two rules in AACR2 and to reflect new minor change provisions. There is a new section on major/minor changes in the edition statement (16.4.2.) and the former section on changes in numbering has been dropped (see Module 8 above). Major and minor changes to the physical medium are also further elaborated (16.4.1.). While there are no changes in practice, the main entry and uniform title sections have been combined.

Module 30. Direct Access Electronic Serials. Module 30 reflects the changes to Chapters 9 and 12 (AACR2). The GMD has changed to electronic resources, and the new optional popular terminology for the SMD is provided (e.g., CD-ROM, floppy disks) (30.12.1.). There are also new definitions for DVD and DVD-ROM and an explanation of changes (30.18.). The most significant change is that the preferred source for the chief source is now the carrier or its labels (30.3.2.). The fact that CD-ROMs are considered to be serials, and not integrating resources, is also included (30.1.)

Module 31. Remote Access Electronic Serials. Module 31 has also been revised to reflect Chapter 9 and 12 changes, as well as recent developments in CONSER. The CONSER PURL Project is described in 31.15.5. Proposals for changes of practice relating to aggregations and reproductions are noted in 31.2.5B. and 31.2.6. Use of code ‘s’ in the fixed field is further explained in 31.2.3. And a new policy for dealing with serials that do not retain earlier titles is explained in 31.18.

Module 32. Microforms. Examples have been updated as necessary.

Module 33. Newspapers. The module has been updated to reflect the changes in Chapter 12 and the section on electronic newspapers has been updated to reflect changes in Chapter 9 (GMD, etc.).

Module 34. Legal Serials. The section on loose-leafs (34.1.2.) was revised to reflect their new status as integrating resources. Examples have been updated as necessary.