If you are a new cataloger or a cataloger who hasn’t cataloged serials before, cataloging a serial for the first time may seem daunting.  How do you catalog from multiple issues?  What happens when you don't have the first issue?  How do you indicate that something has changed?  How much data should be included and at what level will the record be created?

Furthermore, working with serials often extends beyond cataloging.  Many serials catalogers are becoming increasingly involved in serial holdings, publication pattern creation, and other aspects of serials control.

This module will take a broad look at serials, discussing what makes them unique, what kind of challenges they pose to the cataloger, and what is involved in cataloging them.

This module will discuss

The importance of serials

How serials differ from monographs and integrating resources

Aspects of the cataloging that are unique to serials

An overview of the cataloging process

Other types of serials control

References

Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules.  2nd ed. 2002 Revision: 2005 Update.  Chicago : American Library Association, 2002.

Library of Congress Rule Interpretations .  2nd ed.  Washington, D.C. : Cataloging Distribution Service, Library of Congress, 1989-

CONSER Editing Guide .  1994 ed. Washington, D.C. : Serial Record Division, Library of Congress ; available from the Cataloging Distribution Service, 1994-

MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data .

CONSER Publication Pattern Web site:  http://www.loc.gov/acq/conser/patthold.html

Definitions of terms used in this module

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)

Iteration:  An instance of an integrating resource, either as first published or after it has been updated.  (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)

See also:

Module 1.  Introduction to Serials Cataloging