An electronic resource is a manifestation encoded for manipulation by computer.
 

1. Direct access:  term used to refer to an electronic resource that resides in a tangible carrier, for example, a CD-ROM or floppy disk, that is typically inserted into a computer.  May be networked.

 
2. Remote access:  term used to characterize an electronic resource that is resident in a carrier that cannot be physically handled.  It is accessed via a connection through a computer network, typically referred to as "online" access.  The World Wide Web has become the principle access method for online serials.  This is the category that we will focus on for this workshop.

 

• defining serials
• brief overview of standards
• one record approach vs. separate records approach
• rules, classification, holdings
• guidelines for specific fields

A publication in any medium issued in successive parts bearing numeric or chronological designations and intended to be continued indefinitely.

CONSER further defines a remote access computer file serial as a work issued in designated parts for an indefinite period of time, in computer file format, and accessed "via input/output devices connected electronically to a computer" (AACR2).

Many electronic resources, such as journals, annuals, newsletters, and proceedings meet the criteria of the definition and are cataloged as serials.  Structure of online serials ranges from those that parallel print publications to serials that lack traditional issues, instead identifying individual articles as their "designated parts."
 

1. Electronic publications of an ongoing nature that are continuously updated online and lose their numeric or chronological designations do not fit the definition of a serial.  Examples include online databases, online services, and web sites.

 
2. These typically are cataloged under current standards for loose-leaf monographs, as recommended by the "Draft Interim Guidelines for Cataloging Electronic Resources" from the Library of Congress (see http://lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/dcmb19_4.html).

Result:  may have different record types for different formats of a title--serial records for the print or CD-ROM versions, while the online version is cataloged as a monographic loose-leaf.
 

C.  AACR2 and Seriality:  see http://lcweb.loc.gov/acq/conser/serialty.html
 

1. Jean Hirons and Crystal Graham presented three models of seriality in a paper delivered at the 1997 International Conference on the Principles and Future Development of AACR in Toronto.

 
2. Model B, eliminating the requirements for a designation and separate parts, was approved.

 
3. Hirons was requested to begin preparing rule revision proposals, coordinated by the CONSER AACR Review Task Force.  Four rule revision groups were appointed.

 
4. Hirons and Regina Reynolds modified Model C and presented it to the library community.  Under modified Model C, materials would be divided into Finite and Ongoing publications.

The four rule revision groups have posted their final reports.  The definition of a serial may change in the future, but, for now, a serial must consist of successively issued, designated parts and be intended to continue indefinitely.

B.  Format
 

1. Until implementation of the second phase of format integration in March 1996, either the serials or computer files format could be used for cataloging electronic serials.

 
2. From March 1996 to February 1998, national standards required using the computer files format for electronic serials.

 
3. Beginning in February 1998, national standards require the use of the serials format for most electronic serials (i.e., textual serials).

B.  One record approach:  Use the print record to point to the existence of/access to the electronic version.
 

1.  Advantages
 
a.  allows for relatively quick catalog access for a large number of titles
b.  requires less staff time and training; less maintenance
c.  many libraries are using the one record approach for electronic serials
d.  in some systems, permits all serials to file in the periodicals index
e.  depending on the catalog system, may be easier for a user to interpret
 

1.  Advantages
 
a.  allows for a high degree of clarity
b.  distinguishes between the differences in content that often exist in different versions of a title
c.  depending on the catalog system, may be easier for a user to interpret

• determining and recording the basic bibliographic information to accurately identify and describe the serial
• determining the access points needed for retrieval
• determining and recording the means by which the serial itself can be accessed online

1. Current national standards state that successive entry cataloging should be used.  This is under review and may change for electronic serials.

 
2. The title screen is the chief source of information for cataloging electronic serials.

 
3. Information also can be taken from a journal's home page, "publisher's" statement page, volume/contents page, current issue contents page, etc.  Bracket only information taken from a source external to the publication (for example, a directory or server).

 
4. Base cataloging on the earliest designated issue.  However, reality may dictate that the description be based on the earliest issue available in digital form at the time of cataloging.

 

C.  Holdings:  Ideally, give holdings.  However, lack of staff and/or inadequate catalog displays result in some libraries using a blanket-type statement such as, "See Internet site for holdings."

Catalog record:

• Tools for Serials Catalogers:  http://www.library.vanderbilt.edu/ercelawn/serials.html

 
• PubList.com:  online service that provides a centralized source of information on more than 150,000 of the world's periodicals.  Data from authoritative sources like R.R. Bowker's Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory and Editor & Publisher International Yearbook.  http://www.publist.com