B5.  Retrospective Conversion

Retrospective conversion involves the online input of records (generally without piece in hand) for serial titles that have been previously cataloged by a CONSER member and for which a CONSER record in OCLC does not exist.  All newly input records must meet the minimum requirements for a minimal level record (see B6).  The need to input records will be determined by the presence or absence of records on the database.  For the treatment of latest entry records, see C10.

When an issue is not consulted in the process of converting the manual record, input value "1" (cataloging without piece in hand) for the encoding level.

B5.1.  Conversion of previously existing cataloging, record newly input to database

1)   Description is input as found.

2)   Name/series headings must be in RDA form.  If headings are not in RDA form, the record cannot be authenticated.

3)   Topical subject headings, if present, must be currently valid.

B5.2.  First-time authentication of an existing record

1)   Description is modified as necessary.

2)   Name/series headings must be in RDA form.  If headings are not in RDA form, the record cannot be authenticated.

B5.3.  CONSER (authenticated) record found

Record is accepted as found (no maintenance required).

See also:

Section B.  Policies and Practices

CONSER Editing Guide:  Contents