Penn State University Libraries - Integrating Resources

Deciding Whether a Web Site is an Integrating Resource

Integrating resource. A continuing resource that is added to or changed by means of updates that do not remain discrete and are integrated into the whole. Examples include items that are loose-leaf for updating and Web sites.
--AACR2 pending revision

The two chapters in the Anglo-American cataloging rules that govern the description of networked electronic resources are Chapter 9 (Computer files) and Chapter 12 (Serials). The scope of Chapter 12 has been broadened to include all continuing resources and the rules in this chapter will now apply to many networked resources such as Web sites. Because of their dynamic nature, their potential for being frequently updated, it has long been recognized that Web sites possess many of the characteristics of serials. However, since they also lack some of the defining characteristics of serials, a new category of continuing resource--integrating resources--is being introduced in Chapter 12.

Chapter 12 thus covers the description of all continuing resources, both serials and integrating resources. The rules for integrating resources are critical for describing Web sites. Web sites have the potential to change in both structure and content. Unlike serials, however, they do not change by successively adding new pieces. Rather, the site itself changes as new material is fully integrated into its content, often actually replacing existing information. (This method of updating is similar to that of loose-leaf publications in the world of print, and loose-leafs are considered examples of integrating resources.)

A cataloger must use the definition of an integrating resource with caution. Though many Web sites will be viewed as integrating resources, many will not. Some resources, such as an electronic edition of Milton's Paradise Lost, are essentially finite and monographic; although the electronic medium makes it possible to update the text, the intent may be to produce a distinct edition of the work. It is true that all networked electronic resources have the potential for change, i.e., the Web author may at any time make changes to the intellectual content of the resource. However, these changes may range from a major rewrite that changes the essential nature of the site, to minor changes in the coding or underlying structure of the resource.

Rather than assuming that the potential for changes is a sufficient reason to consider all Web sites as integrating resources, a cataloger should assume that the resource is monographic unless there is evidence that it is being updated or that there is an intent to update. The default assumption should be that the resource is monographic. This makes sense because the rules for integrating resources concern the documenting of change; until there is evidence of change, there is no need to apply the rules.

A major revision for Rule 12.1B8 provides important guidance in the use of titles for Web sites, and an important distinction is made between the treatment of titles for serials and integrating resources. For both there are notable implications in the updating of records to reflect changes. If a 'major' change occurs to the title proper for a serial, the cataloger is instructed to create a new record with the implication that the item represents a new serial. For integrating resources one should use the same record, but to replace the existing title with the new one. The cataloger may give the earlier title in a note.

Types of remotely accessed electronic resources of a dynamic nature that are currently excluded from serial treatment are:

Databases (including directories, A&I services, etc.)
Electronic discussion groups (e.g., SERIALST)
Online public access catalogs (e.g., OCLC, RLIN)
Online services (e.g., America Online)

All of these types of resources would generally be regarded as integrating resources.