In addition to the situations covered by the rule and LCRI, there are other cases in which a title is not considered to have changed. Following are some of the situations that require cataloger’s judgment to avoid creating new records.

a. Words in the title that are issue-specific:

Words such as "inaugural," "final," "centennial," and "anniversary" are most often found only on one issue. If such a word occurs on the first issue or the issue upon which the description is based, drop the word from the title proper. If the word appears on an issue other than the first, treat the situation as a title variation, rather than as a title change. Example:

b. Chief source and title changes:

The choice of chief source may play an important role in determining whether a new record is required (see also Module 3).

When each issue of a serial has a title page and the titles on the title pages change (according to AACR2 21.2A1), make a new record, even if the title on another source (e.g., cover) remains the same.

When a serial begins with a title page and a cover, each having a different title, and subsequently drops the title page, make a new record.

When a serial is cataloged form the cover (as title page substitute) and a title page is added on a later issue with a different title, make a new record, even though the cover title has not changed.

When a serial does not have a title page, select a title page substitute according to AACR2 12.0B1 and the LCRI. If it is evident that one source (e.g. caption) has a stable title and that the title on a more preferred source (e.g. cover) changes, choose the source with the stable title to avert a title change (LCRI 12.0B1).

c. Parallel titles and titles in multiple languages:

A change in the order of parallel titles does not necessitate a title change, as long as the title chosen as the title proper still appears on the chief source (LCRI 21.2C). The fact that the order has changed may be mentioned in a note. If, however, the title chosen as title proper no longer appears anywhere on the chief source, make a new record.

When a serial that was in more than one language separates into separate language editions, make a new record for the title that was previously given as the parallel title or added title page title. For example, a Canadian serial is issued as a single publication with title pages in English and French. The English title is chosen as title proper; the French title is given as an added title page title (245 15). Subsequently, the serial splits into two separate publications, one in English, the other in French. A new record is made for the French publication, which is considered to have "separated from" the earlier record (780 X7). When the reverse situation occurs (i.e., a French language serial and an English language serial merge into one and the titles remain the same), the French language serial is "absorbed" (780 X5).

d. Title is added or dropped on some issues:

If a serial begins with nothing on the chief source but the name of a corporate body, give the body as the title proper and supply other title information according to AACR2 1.1E6. If on subsequent issues a true title is given, consider the title to have changed. Example:

See also:

16.2. Title changes