When monograph or serial catalogers are asked what they consider to be the most difficult aspect of cataloging, invariably the answer is " series," Series are complex because they can also be treated as serials, (1) because they can be treated differently in each institution, and perhaps most importantly, because it is not always clear that a word or phrase constitutes a series. There are many different aspects to series; some will be covered here; others are covered in Part 3.

Series are recorded in an online record in fields 440, 490, and 8XX, depending on their treatment and the form found on the piece.

This module focuses on serials that are issued in a series. It does not discuss how to create a series authority record (SAR) but includes a section on interpreting the SAR. It also does not include instructions on how to catalog a series as a serial or how to decide on various aspects of series treatment as they relate to cataloging and classification.

This module will discuss:

Terms relating to series and their treatment

How to interpret series authority records

How to determine whether a word or phrase constitutes a series

Series statements and tracings and their relation to the USMARC fields

How to record the series statement

When to record numbering in a serial record

Main series and subseries

Changes in the series title and how to record series added or dropped on later issues.

LC practices regarding series

Serial in a Series:

The serial Economic impact of Kentucky’s Tourism and Travel Industry is issued in the series Tourism Research Series. Note that the numbering of the series is not consecutive.

12.1. Introduction to series

12.2. Is it a series?

12.3. Determining the series entry

12.4. Recording the series statement (440, 490)

12.5. Main series and subseries

12.6. Changes and other problems

12.7. LC practices regarding changes in treatment

Summary

See also:

Part 1. Original cataloging