a. Most notes are optional

With the exception of the source of title note, the "Description based on" note, certain links, and notes that justify added entries, notes are optional.

b. Notes should be useful

While it is possible to construct many notes regarding a serial, consider first how important and useful the information will be to others using the record (AACR2 1.7A5). For instance, it might be quite helpful to others to note that a current serial has suspended publication for a period of time; whereas, mentioning numerous numbering peculiarities would be impractical and unnecessary and could be better covered by the check-in record.

c. Notes should be as succinct as possible

The more notes that are given and the longer they are, the more cumbersome a record becomes. To aid the user of the cataloging record, keep notes brief and to the point!

d. Notes are not usually issue-specific

In most cases, notes are constructed for information that applies to more than one issue, usually on a continuing basis. While some information that applies only to one issue may be important enough to warrant a note, this type of very specific information is usually omitted from serial records.

See also:

13.1. Purpose and philosophy of notes used in serial records