Welcome to the world of continuing resources!  With the expansion of Chapter 12 of AACR2 to cover a much broader category of bibliographic resources, so too will CONSER and the CONSER Cataloging Manual expand its coverage.  This introductory section briefly explains the concepts of continuing and finite resources, the form of issuance, including the new category of integrating resources, and how these concepts relate to AACR2, MARC, CONSER, and CONSER documentation.

This module will discuss

The conceptual framework of Chapter 12

How continuing resources are incorporated into AACR2

How continuing resources are incorporated into MARC 21

How the programs of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging will handle continuing resources

How continuing resources will be included in CONSER documentation

References

Hirons, Jean and Crystal Graham.  "Issues Related to Seriality" with Crystal Graham.  In: The Principles and Future of AACR; proceedings of the International Conference on the Principles and Future Development of AACR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Oct. 23-25, 1997.  Ed. by Jean Weihs.  Chicago: American Library Association, 1998.

Hirons, Jean.  "Reflections on seriality."  Published in the Serials Librarian, 2003.  This article also includes an extensive bibliography of reports and articles on the seriality revisions.

Definitions of terms used in this module

Bibliographic resource:  An expression or manifestation of a work or an item that forms the basis for bibliographic description.  A bibliographic resource may be tangible or intangible.  (AACR2)

Continuing resource:  A bibliographic resource that is issued over time with no predetermined conclusion.  Continuing resources include serials and ongoing integrating resources.  (AACR2)

Integrating resource:  A bibliographic resource that is added to or changed by means of updates that do not remain discrete and are integrated into the whole.  Integrating resources may be finite or continuing.  Examples of integrating resources include updating loose-leafs and updating Web sites.  (AACR2)

Monograph:  A bibliographic resource that is complete in one part or intended to be completed in a finite number of parts.  (AACR2)

Multipart item:  A monograph complete or intended to be completed in a finite number of separate parts.  The separate parts may or may not be numbered.  (AACR2)

Serial:  A continuing resource issued in a succession of discrete parts, usually bearing numbering, that has no predetermined conclusion.  Examples of serials include journals, magazines, electronic journals, continuing directories, annual reports, newspapers, and monographic series.  (AACR2)

Seriality:  A dimension of resources that are not complete as first issued that refers to the fact that they are issued over time and thus, may exhibit change.  (CCM)

See also:

Module 0.  Introduction to Continuing Resources