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This is considered an "Intermediate Guide." It presumes a certain amount of experience in determining when a cat-as-sep, class together decision needs to be made, and won't really help making the decisions. It will, however, provide guidance in what needs to be done after a cat-as-sep, class together decision has been made.
Likewise, this document lacks the precision and detail of AACR2. Rather, it presents a simplified overview of local rules and procedures. Remember, LCAF serves as the authority file in determining the form of the series.
1. The Decision
For E&MSL material, our basic policy is to catalog-as-separate records but class together by call number many cartographic items which are published as a series, certain items published as sets, and some items published as serials. Carefully search The CAT to see if a decision has been made; use a keyword search to catch as many diverse forms of the name as possible. In all cases, prefer to follow decisions designated for the material by the customer. Base your decision on the material in hand and any copy found; always be aware of the EMSL preference for cat-as-sep., class together decisions.
2. Establishing the Series
Use the form of the series in LCAF when available. When LCAF has no mention of the series, search the OLUC and The CAT for a standard form of the series. When no series is found in any of these resources, establish the series yourself, using the form as it appears most commonly on the pieces you have. Only qualify a series to prevent conflicts between similar series. When qualification is necessary, prefer the organization responsible for the items as qualifier. Make use of different or more complex qualifiers when needed.
3. Creating the Class Together Number
The class number should be based on the main subject inherent in the series, not on individual pieces. For example, a Geologic series might include maps of coal mines, gravity anomalies, and petroleum deposits; such a series should be given a general class number for geology. When in doubt, err on the side of generality; use the series title as a clue.
USGS series have their own base call number, QE75 . Be cautious when assigning cutters for USGS material, since we have a large collection of it; shelflist carefully in The CAT.
Prefer to cutter from the established form of the series, rather than the responsible corporate body. Prefer to use numeration, when present, as the volume designator. Include a designator term, when present, such as "no." or "sheet." Infer a designator term when none is present; don't just drop a number in after the cutter. Include the full form of the number as present, such as "no.N221" or "sheet.B55-98." When numeration is not present, or is variable or otherwise complex, use the geographic region or other specific designation as a substitute.
4. Establishing the Series Nationally According to Current Department Policy
[this section needs updating 8/22/08]
