Part of the complexity of serials is due to their relationships to other publications. These relationships can be broadly described as "chronological" and "horizontal". (1)

Chronological relationships are relationships in time between serials. In most cases a serial undergoes changes in the title or issuing body, requiring the creation of a new record. Each record covers a different time span. Chronological relationships may also be thought of as "sequential" relationships. Chronological relationships may be simple (continues/continued by) or complex (mergers, splits, absorptions). Links for chronological relationships are given in fields 780 and 785. Example:

Horizontal relationships are those that exist between different versions of the serial. The versions may be issued simultaneously (e.g., language editions) or at different times (e.g., a reprint). Other examples of horizontal relationships are: supplements, translations, physical format reproductions, and companion serials.

Serial being cataloged:

Editions, including language eds. and reprints (775)

Translations/original (765/767)

Other physical formats (775,776)

Parent serial/ supplement (770/772)

Companions, etc. (787)

"Issued with" (777)

Chronological relationships - Example:

Horizontal relationships - Example:

See also:

4.1. Linking relationships and linking entry fields: an overview