25.1. Use of Uniform Titles

Updating Uniform Titles Entered Under Name Headings:

Pre-AACR2 forms of uniform titles on machine-readable bibliographic records were updated to their AACR2 forms in the bibliographic "flip" of the database whenever the pre-AACR2 uniform title appeared as a valid linking reference on a name authority record for the uniform title. (See LCRI 26 for the situations in which a linking reference can be made for a uniform title.) Update individually each pre-AACR2 uniform title that appears on a bibliographic record and is not covered by a linking reference.

When assigning a uniform title to a newly cataloged item, search the database to verify that this particular uniform title has been formulated in accord with current policy on existing MARC bibliographic records. Update each bibliographic record that does not reflect current policy on uniform titles if the record falls into one of the categories listed below. (Note: Although a uniform title may not need to be assigned to the item being cataloged (cf. 25.2A), other editions of the item already in the file may show a uniform title; these existing uniform titles may need to be changed if they fall into one of the categories listed below.

1. If the uniform title pertaining to the item being cataloged is for a single work, change the existing bibliographic records that pertain to the "basic" uniform title, i.e., without language, part, or other subdivisions. If the uniform title pertaining to the item being cataloged contains a subdivision of the basic uniform title, change the bibliographic records that pertain to the same subdivision. (Existing bibliographic records for other subdivisions will be changed when these subdivisions are needed in new cataloging.)

2. If the uniform title pertaining to the item being cataloged is for the collective uniform title "Works" or "Selections" plus many of its subdivisions (e.g., date, language), change all the existing bibliographic records to reflect current policy on these two collective uniform titles (LCRI 25.8-25.9).

3. If the item being cataloged pertains to a collection of three or more works in one particular form, change all the existing bibliographic records pertaining to collections in this particular form to reflect current policy on works in a single form (LCRI 25.10).

4. Make changes to uniform titles that appear in all access points except series, i.e., main entries, added entries, subject entries.

5. Make even "small" corrections to bring the uniform titles into agreement with current practice, e.g., delete initial articles, change the connective between multiple languages from "and" to "&."

6. When changing or adding a uniform title to an existing bibliographic record, give the name heading portion in its correct AACR2 form even if a linking reference from the pre-AACR2 form is traced on the name authority record for the name heading. Do not update other name headings on any of the bibliographic records being handled.

7. Change existing uniform title name authority records to reflect the revised bibliographic records. Adjust or delete invalid references but add only references that pertain o the item being cataloged. Create a name authority record for a uniform title only for the item being cataloged and only if one is needed according to current practice. Optionally, on these name authority records, trace a linking reference if one is appropriate according to LCRI 26. (Do not create a name authority record solely to trace a linking reference.)

Single Work or Collection:

It is necessary to distinguish collections from publications that contain a single main work with lesser works. Normally, rely on the wording of the chief source to make this distinction.

Example

Applicability:

Use a uniform title unless the complete uniform title that would be assigned is exactly the same as the title proper of the item.

Exceptions:

1. Do not use a uniform title when the only difference is the presence of an initial article in the bibliographic title proper.

2. For certain anonymous classics that are entered under uniform title main entry heading and that have been published in many editions, in different languages, and under different titles (e.g., Beowulf, Chanson de Roland), use a uniform title for all editions. This includes editions in the original language when the title proper is the same as the uniform title assigned.

I/J, U/V:

When a title chosen for the uniform title involves regularization of i/j, u/v, apply the following:

$image\POINT_BL.gif$ use "i" for vowels (e.g., iter, Ilias);

$image\POINT_BL.gif$ use "j" for consonants (e.g., jus, Julius);

$image\POINT_BL.gif$ use "u" for vowels (e.g., uva, Ursa Major);

$image\POINT_BL.gif$ use "v" for consonants (e.g., vox, Victoria);

$image\POINT_BL.gif$ use "w" for consonantal "uu" or "vv" (e.g., Windelia).

Follow this directive for all uniform titles regardless of the particular publication or of the work it contains.

Exception: For the uniform title for a series published after 1800, transcribe "i" and "j" as they appear.