Codes

Frequency:

For definitions and examples of Frequency codes, see 008/18  006/01 - Frequency  (MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data)

#    No determinable frequency (irregular)

a    Annual

b    Bimonthly (every two months)

c    Semiweekly (twice a week)

d    Daily

e    Biweekly (every two weeks)

f     Semiannual (twice a year)

g    Biennial (every two years)

h    Triennial (every three years)

i     Three times a week

j     Three times a month

k    Continuously updated

m   Monthly

q    Quarterly

s     Semimonthly (twice a month)

t     Three times a year

u    Unknown

w   Weekly

z    Other frequencies

Regularity:

n    Normalized irregular

r     Regular

u    Unknown

x    Completely irregular

Description/Instructions

The FREQUENCY and REGULARITY elements contain codes for the current frequency and the intended regularity of issuance and are based on information given in field 310.  The current frequency, as expressed in note form in the 310 field, should be determined before these elements are coded.  Consider the stated intent of the publisher when coding the regularity.  Note that for integrating resources, frequency is the frequency of the updates, not the frequency of the resource.

No default values are assigned, however fill characters can be used in local catalogs.  These values must always be input (FN).

Use of regularity codes

r     Regular.

Use code "r" when one of the frequency codes accurately defines the frequency of the publication.

310 ## Monthly

FREQ:  m

REGL:  r

310 ## Quinquennial

FREQ:  z

REGL:  r

Use code "r" when the publisher intends to issue the serial on a regular basis.  This may be determined from information in the piece or by examining the publishing pattern.  Thus, if a serial states that it is to be issued bimonthly, the regularity is coded as "r" even though the publishing pattern is known to have occasional variations due to publishing difficulties.  This inconsistency may be expressed in a 515 note if desired.

310 ## Bimonthly

515 ## Some issues not published.

FREQ:  b

REGL:  r

Use code"r" for an electronic integrating resource that is coded "k" continuously updated (updated more often than on a daily basis).

310 ## Continuously updated

FREQ:  k

REGL:  r

n    Normalized irregular.

Use regularity code "n" when the publishing pattern intentionally deviates from a standard pattern, or when field 310 specifies a cumulation or supplement regularly included with the individual issues.

310 ## Monthly (except July and Aug.)

FREQ:  m

REGL:  n

310 ## Monthly (Nov.-Dec. issue combined)

FREQ:  m

REGL:  n

310 ## Bimonthly, with an annual cumulation [i.e., seven issues a year]

FREQ:  b

REGL:  n

310 ## Annual, with semiannual supplement

FREQ:  a

REGL:  n

x    Completely irregular.

Use code "x" in the following situations:

1.   When the frequency is known to be intentionally irregular, and the frequency element is coded as "#".  Also use code "x" for serials and integrating resources that are updated less frequently than daily for which the updating pattern is known to be irregular.

310 ## Irregular

FREQ:  #

REGL:  x

2.   When the frequency codes as listed above do not accurately reflect the frequency as given in field 310.  This is generally the case when the frequency is expressed in numbers per year (e.g., 4 no. a year), or "times a year" (e.g., 6 times a year).  In these cases the closest applicable frequency is used according to the following chart, and the regularity is coded as "x".

Frequency

Frequency code

Two no. a year

f

Four no. a year

q

Five no. a year

q

Six no. a year

b

Seven no. a year

b

Eight no. a year

b

Nine no. a year

m

Ten no. a year

m

Eleven no. a year

m

Twelve no. a year

m

Examples:

310 ## Five no. a year

FREQ:  q

REGL:  x

310 ## Eight no. a year

FREQ:  b

REGL:  x

u    Unknown.

When the current frequency is totally unknown, both the frequency and regularity elements are coded as "u".  These codes must always be used together.  Neither can be used with any other code.

[No 310 field]

FREQ:  u

REGL:  u

Additional instructions

1.   If a serial ceases after one issue, give the intended frequency and regularity if known.  Otherwise, code both as "u".

300 ## 1 v. ; $c 28 cm.

310 ## Annual

362 0# 1984.

FREQ:  a

REGL:  r

300 ## 1 v. : $b ill. ; $c 30 cm.

362 0# No. 1 (July 1985).

FREQ:  u

REGL:  u

2.   If a serial is issued according to one frequency but cumulates to another, code the frequency and regularity without regard for the cumulation.

310 ## Bimonthly, with the last issue being cumulative for the year

FREQ:  b

REGL:  r

Code the regularity as follows:

a.   When the cumulation is the last regularly issued number of the volume or year, code as "r".

310 ## Monthly, with no. 12 constituting the annual cumulation

FREQ:  m

REGL:  r

b.   When the cumulation is issued as an added issue in addition to the number specified by the frequency, code as "n".

310 ## Monthly, with an annual cumulation

FREQ:  m

REGL:  n

3.   When coding a regular-print reprint, code these elements for the frequency and regularity of the reprint–not those of the original.

4.   When coding a reproduction microform, code these elements for the original publication.  [NOTE:  This is a change in practice; prior to 1992, records were coded for the reproduction and should be recoded as encountered.  The frequency and regularity codes for the reproduction may be given in field 539.]

Additional examples

On home page of an updating website:

"Updated daily"

310 ## Updated daily

FREQ:  d

REGL:  r

On home page of an organization's website:

"Frequently updated, return often for the latest news about our activities."

310 ## Unknown

FREQ:  u

REGL:  u

From the pages of a paper loose-leaf integrating resource:

"Updated monthly"

310 ## Updated monthly

FREQ:  m

REGL:  r

Related fields, etc.

310, 515, 539, 936

008/18  006/01 - Frequency  (MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data)

008/19  006/02 - Regularity  (MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data)

See also:

Leader/006/008

Section E.  MARC 21 Format for Serials as Applied Within CONSER

CONSER Editing Guide:  Contents