The tao of serials: 101 things non-catalogers should know about serials or Is it continuing resources?

Abstract

Serial catalog records must be interpreted and understood by a wide variety of catalog users: collection development, acquisitions, public services staff, patrons, and even catalogers themselves. This NASIG preconference workshop covered past and current cataloging rules as well as how the applications of these rules are recorded in the MARC 21 format. Key MARC fields were explained, and the presenters demonstrated how some OPACs handle serials-specific information to either the benefit or detriment of catalog users. Also discussed was the expanded definition of continuing resources and how the application of this definition affects cataloging decisions. New standards for next generation catalogs will need to take into account the FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) conceptual model as well as the development of other metadata content and communication standards beyond both AACR2 and MARC 21. © The North American Serials Interest Group, Inc.