NASIGuide: MARC CODING FOR SERIALS
by Elizabeth McDonald and Beverly Geckle, September 2008
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Introduction
General Comments
Aimed at helping in the creation and interpretation of MARC bibliographic records for serials, this guide focuses on how serial MARC records differ from records for other formats. While continuing resources include both serials and integrating resources such as looseleafs or websites, this guide discusses serials only. Cataloging Serials involves an understanding of both the MARC codes and cataloging rules and practices. Although cataloging rules and practices are referred to, the main focus of this guide is on MARC coding, and not all subfields are always covered.
Serials cataloging rules and practices have changed over the years, so records created based on older rules and practices still exist. The most recent major revision to AACR2 Chapter 12 occurred in 2002. Some older practices are still considered valid while others are not, therefore it is important to be familiar with both current and previous rules and practices. When copy cataloging consider whether the record needs upgrading. New records should be cataloged according to current rules, standards, and practices.
This guide relied heavily on other sources, especially Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data , OCLC's Bibliographic Formats and Standards , and CONSER documentation. Other sources either consulted in developing this guide or suggested as resources for further information are listed at the end of this document, see: RESOURCES.
CONSER
CONSER practices are useful guidelines followed by both CONSER and non-CONSER libraries, so they are included here. CONSER has adopted a new standard for creating records. This "Standard Record" describes the minimal requirements for a new serial record. It is important to be familiar with this, since many new records found in OCLC may follow this standard. See: CONSER Standard Record Documentation , the CONSER Standard Record Cheat Sheet or the CONSER Standard Record for Serials (powerpoint).
Title Changes
Another significant change since 2002 has been new rules regarding title changes and when to create new records. Although these new rules are not discussed in depth it is recommended that one become familiar with them. While new records should be created according to the new rules, older records created under older rules that were valid when they were created can still be used. The following sources are helpful to understanding the current title change rules:
Electronic Journals
The MARC fields important to electronic journals are included, but since this guide is focused on MARC coding the rules on how to catalog electronic resources are not discussed in depth.
Reproductions
Cataloging serial reproductions is not covered in this document. CONSER discusses them in Chapter 17 of the CONSER Cataloging Manual.
MARC Fields
008
Fixed Fields Not all the codes in the 008 are discussed here.
See the following for additional information:
Type | "a" for textual material
use "a" for electronic journals also |
BLvl | "s" for Serial
"i" is used for Integrating Resources |
Form | Form of item
use "b" for microfiche
use "a" for microfilm
use "s" for electronic |
Freq | Current frequency
See OCLC documentation for codes |
S/L | Successive or Latest Entry Cataloging
Current practice is to use code 0 for Successive Entry |
Regl | "r" for published regularly.
See OCLC documentation for other codes |
SrTp | Type of Serial
"p" for periodical
"n" for newspaper
See OCLC documentation for others. |
DtSt | Date Status
"c" for currently published
"d" for not current (dead) |
Dates | Based on the 362* |
Date1 | date of first issue
(chronological designation on piece)* |
| Date2 | date of last issue
(chronological designation on piece)* |
*These dates are taken from the 362 (first choice) and the 260 (second choice).
Be careful of mixed year pieces. The later of the years is always the one used.
Examples:
- For 1962-63 use 1963.
- For 1966-69 use 1969.
MARC Fields
022
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)
Enter the ISSN in this field. ISSNs are assigned to titles by national ISSN centers. For more about ISSN, see the U.S. ISSN website or the ISSN website.
Indicator 1
Level of international interest
Values
- blank=not specified
- 0=yes
- 1=no
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Valid ISSN
- Transcribe ISSN found on piece.
- For e-journals, try to verify that the ISSN is not the print ISSN.
Subfield y
Incorrect ISSN
- Use if ISSN on piece is incorrect
- Eg. Title has changed but new title still has previous ISSN on piece.
- Print ISSN is being used on online version of journal.
- If correcting the ISSN in a bib record, record the incorrect ISSN in subfield y.
Subfield z
Cancelled ISSN
Subfield 2
Source of ISSN
Example
041
Language Code CONSER Standard Record
- Code languages for serials with content in multiple languages.
- Subfield a is the only required subfield.
- If the information is only about translations, summaries, table of contents, or accompanying materials, then use a 564 note.
Language codes used can be found at: MARC Code List for Languages
Indicator 1
Translation indication
Values
- 0=Is not or does not contain a translation.
- 1=Is or contains a translation.
Indicator 2
Source of Code
Values
- blank=MARC language code.
- 7=Source specified in subfield 2.
Subfield a
Language code of text.
Repeatable.
Information on additional subfields can be found at Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
042
Authentication Code Indicators
Both indicators are undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Authentication Code
Codes to look for:
- lcd = CONSER records
- lc = Library of Congress
- nsdp = U.S. ISSN center
MARC Fields
100
Main Entry--Personal Name
Rarely used in Serials. See LCRI 21.1A2 for usage.
Indicator 1
Type of Personal Name Entry
- 0=Forename
- 1=Surname
- 3=Family Name
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Personal Name
Information on additional subfields can be found at Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
110
Main Entry--Corporate Name
Used only when work emanates from the corporate body (Eg. annual report) not just when work published or sponsored by corporate body. See 21.B2 of AACR2. If a conference name is subordinate to a corporate body it is entered as a 110.
Indicator 1
Type of Corporate Name Entry
- 0=Inverted Name
- 1=Jurisdiction Name
- 2=Name in Direct Order
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Corporate Body
Examples
- 110 1# $aTennessee. $bDept. of Finance and Administration.
- 110 2# $aTransportation Planning Capacity Building Program (U.S.)
Information on additional subfields can be found at Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
111
Main Entry--Meeting Name Used when a conference name is determined to be the Main Entry.
If a conference name is subordinate to a corporate body it is entered as a 110. Authorized (controlled) name headings should be used. See Fritz, AACR2, and CONSER documentation.
Subfields are in this order a, n, p, d, c.
Make note of punctuation.
Indicator 1
Type of Meeting Name Entry
- 0=Inverted Name
- 1=Jurisdiction Name
- 2=Name in Direct Order
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Meeting Name
Punctation: Field ends in a period.
Subfield n
Number
Punctation: Enclose text inside beginning parenthesis. Subfield on outside.
Subfield p
Name of part (Pre AACR2 only)
Subfield d
Date
Subfield c
Location
Punctuation: Fields ends with closed parenthesis.
Example
- 111 2_ $a Southern Silvicultural Research Conference $n (12th : $d 2003 : $c Biloxi, Miss.)
130
Uniform Title The 130 is used differently for serials than for monographs. It serves to distinguish titles. It is mainly used to distinguish records for publications with the same title using qualifiers. Qualifiers such as place of publication, dates or format are used to create a distingushing title.
CONSER Standard Record
Future use of the 130 will change with the implementation of the CONSER Standard Record.
Previous usage
Practices found in previously created records
- Used for a new record when a record already exists for a different publication with the same title.
- American history (Westport, Conn.)
- American history (Harrisburg, Pa.)
- Often used when a title reverts back to a former title or when a title is available online.
- Atlantic monthly (Boston, Mass. : 1971)
- Journal of Japanese studies (Online)
- Used for series entries for monographic series
- 130 00 Special report (National Research Council (U.S.). Transportation Research Board)
- 245 10 Special report - Transportation Research Board, National Research Council.
- Not used for microform versions since these are reproductions not unique publications. Sometimes used for a change in physical medium. See 5.2.4 or the CONSER Cataloging Manual
Indicator 1
Non-filing characters
Number of character positions that represent articles (the, die, la) and should be ignored during indexing.
Values
- 0=No non-filing characters
- 1-9=Number of non-filing characters
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Uniform Title
Title and qualifiers are all entered in subfield a.
See also:
MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data (Main Entries)
MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data (Uniform Titles)
MARC Fields
210
Abbreviated Title Supplied by ISSN center based on 222 (Key Title).
222
Key Title Unique title linked to the ISSN. Assigned by ISSN centers only. Additional information can be found at Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
240
Uniform Title The 240 is used as a uniform title when a 1xx already exists in the record such as a corporate author.
Indicator 1
Uniform Title Printed or Displayed
Values
- 0=Not printed or displayed
- 1=Printed or displayed
Indicator 2
Non-filing characters
Number of character positions that represent articles (the, die, la) and should be ignored during indexing.
Values
- 0=No non-filing characters
- 1-9=Number of non-filing characters
Subfield a
Uniform Title
245
Title Statement This field is the standard 245 field. Remember with serials the 245 is taken from the first or earliest available issue. This information is tied to the 362. When not cataloged from the first issue, it is linked to a 500 note. Many serials do not have title pages. In such cases, source of title needs to be stated in a 500 note
Indicator 1
Added Entry
Values
- 0=No added entry
- 1=Added entry
Indicator 2
Non-filing characters
Number of character positions that represent articles (the, die, la) and should be ignored during indexing.
Values
- 0=No non-filing characters
- 1-9=Number of non-filing characters
Subfield a
Title
Subfield b
Remainder of Title
CONSER Standard Record
- The CONSER standard record does not require subfield b unless it "provides clarification or support to the title proper that otherwise might appear misleading without the other title information." CONSER Standard Record Documentation (pg. 6)
- Example: $b headlines to live by
- The transcription of parallel titles is also not required. However, the form not chosen as the title(s) proper must be recorded in separate 246's.
- Initialism or acronyms are recorded in a 246 instead of a 245 subfield b
Subfield c
Statement of Responsibility
Additional subfields can be found at Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data.
246
Varying Form of Title - Used to record variant titles which may be used for searching.
- Also used to record minor title changes (use subfield f to record dates of change).
- Used to record acronyms and initialisms of the title proper instead of in the 245 subfield b.
- Used to record parallel titles.
Indicator 1
Note/Added Entry Controller
The term "Note" can be interpreted as "Displays in OPAC." The term "Added Entry" can be interpreted as "Indexed." If you want the title to be searchable, choose either 1 or 3. Be sure to test your local system to see how titles and notes display in the OPAC. See Fritz and the CONSER Editing Guide.
Values
- 0=Note, No Added Entry
The title will display, but will not be indexed. - 1=Note, Added Entry
The title will both display and be indexed. - 2=No Note, No Added Entry
The title with not be displayed nor indexed. - 3=No Note, Added Entry
The title will not display, but will be indexed.
Indicator 2
Type of Title
These values below (sometimes called "captions") may display in the OPAC. Be sure to test your local system. See also Bibliographic Formats and Standards.
Values
- blank=No type specified. A free text statement is used instead. See subfield i
- 0=Portion of title. No note will be generated.
- 1=Parallel title. No note will be generated.
- 2=Distinctive title. Title on a specific issue. Use subfield f to identify which issue has this title.
- 3=Other title.
- 4=Cover title. Only use when the cover is not the chief source of description. Rare.
- 5=Added title page title. Title in another language on a title page that is not used as chief source. Rare.
- 6=Caption title. Title at the head of the first page of text when that is not the title in the 245.
- 7=Running title. Title printed at the top or bottom margin when that is not the title in the 245.
- 8=Spine title. Title print by the publisher on the spine. Not the library's local binding title.
The most common subfields are listed below. See Marc 21 Format for Bibliographic Data or Bibliographic Formats and Standards for additional subfields.
Subfield a
Title proper
There are no non-filing indicators for the 246 field. When entering a varying title drop initial articles.
Subfield b
Remainder of title
Subfield f
Date or sequential designation
Used with second indicator 2 to indicate which title is involved.
Subfield i
Display text
If none of the other captions are appropriate, free text can be used with second indicator # . See Bibliographic Formats and Standards for additional information.
Examples
- 245 04 $a The Bank of America journal of applied corporate finance.
246 1# $i Issue for summer 1994 has title: $a BankAmerica journal of applied corporate finance - 245 00 $a PPI detailed report / $c U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
246 1# $i Issue for Jan. 1997 has title: $a Producer price indexes
Subfield n
Numbered part
Subfield p
Named part
Combination example
- 245 14 $a The anatomical record. $n Part B, $p The new anatomist.
246 17 $a Anatomical record. $n Part B, $p New anat. $f <2005-2006>
247
Former Title It should not be used with Successive Entry cataloging of Serials. Previously the 247 was used under Latest Entry cataloging of serials. The 245 was updated as titles changed. The 247 field can currently be used for Integrating Resources. See CONSER website for more information about Integrating Resources.
250
Edition Statement For Serials the edition statement is used to distinguish different editions of the entire serial run such geographic, interest groups, formats, or languages. Examples: a Student's edition from a Teacher's edition or the North American edition from the South American edition.
Statements such as "1st edition" generally are recorded as enumeration in the 362.
Indicators
Both indicators are undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Edition statement
Subfield b
Remainder of edition statement
260
Publication, distribution etc. CONSER Standard Record practices are described.
Indicator 1
Sequence of publishing statements
Values are not yet implemented
Indicator 2
Undefined
Values are blank
Subfield a
Place of publication, distribution, etc.
- The CONSER Standard Record requires only that the first named place of publication be supplied in subfield a.
- This does not change depending on the home country of cataloging agency.
- For online resources if the place of publication is available in the first few pages of the home page, record in the 260 subfield a. If not, supply a probably place of publication in brackets or use [S.l.].
Subfield b
Name of publisher
Note: records created before 2002 may have a comma following the publisher name and before a non-existent subfield c, as this was the practice when cataloging was done without the first or last issue in hand.
Subfield c
Date of publication
Dates are not required to be supplied by originally created CONSER Standard Records. See the 362 field for more information about dates.
