Penn State University Libraries - Serial Match Criteria

0XX | 1XX | 2XX | 3XX | 4XX | 5XX | 7XX

010

Differences in LCCNs do not imply non-match. Often serial LCCNs are revised or changed altogether with the earlier number displayed in |z.

022

A difference in ISSN alone does not constitute non-match, as publishers occasionally misprint or misuse ISSNs. However, when the ISSN varies, be sure to verify the other descriptive elements of the record to ensure a match.

086

A difference in Gov’t Doc Classification Number alone does not constitute non-match, but it too is a clue to scrutinize the other descriptive elements of the record to ensure a match

11X [110, 111]

When a corporate body or conference is given the main entry, a change in the form of its entry constitutes a title change. When the item bears a different form of the name, check LCAF. If this form of entry is given in LCAF as a cross-reference (4XX) to the entry that appears on the record, it is not a title change and you can add the volume to that record. However, if it appears as a 5XX (which means that it is a valid form of the name. You will also find an authority record for it as the 11X), it constitutes a title change. If there is no LCAF record for the new form of name, refer to an original cataloger for a title change decision.

130

When uniform titles appear on serial records, it means that there are several different publications which bear the same title -- search carefully and thoroughly to ensure an exact match. Sometimes the uniform title is qualified by the publisher or the place of publication of the earliest volume seen by the cataloger. When the publishing information changes, however, it is not considered to be a title change. The uniform title and the 260 fields remain the same and the publishing variance is noted in a 5XX field.

2XX

245|a Make sure you are using the chief source! If the title varies anywhere else on the piece, it is simply noted in a 246. When the variance occurs between the chief source and copy, use this rule of thumb: a difference in words or word order of the first 5 words in the 245|a necessitates a title change, thus non-match. A variance beyond the first 5 words of the 245|a would be noted in a 246. If in doubt, refer to an original cataloger.

245|b When the |b varies (no matter how many words are in the |a), the record is still an exact match. Do not make a title change. A 500 note stating, “Subtitle varies” is sufficient.

250

The following differences constitute non-matching editions:

• Statements indicating different physical form (braille, enlargement, CD-ROM, disk)
• [NOTE: although the rest of the world makes the same distinction for microforms, PSU does not! We add micro holdings to the record for the paper copy].
• Statements indicating a difference in content (Teacher’s ed. vs. student ed.).
• Statements indicating a difference in geographic coverage (Midwest ed. vs. Western ed.).
• Statements indicating different frequencies (annual ed. vs. quarterly ed.).
• Statements indicating a difference in language
• [NOTE: differences in physical form and language (for an entire run, not just one volume), constitute a different edition, whether or not an edition statement appears on the piece].

260

A difference in place of publication or publisher should alert you to check the other descriptive elements of the record to ensure a match. If everything else matches, note the publishing variation in a 5XX note.

300

As this field offers little information, use it primarily for verification when other descriptive elements are off. Slight differences in size can be noted in this manner: $c22-28 cm. However, be aware that significant differences in size may reflect a difference in edition (such as “Large print ed.). Most often this occurs with government documents.

310

Frequency changes do not justify a new record; the 310 and 008/fre are updated to reflect the current frequency with earlier frequencies noted in 321 fields. However, occasionally some serials are issued in different frequency editions. Be alert for this!

362

The 362 field supplies the volume designation for the serial. This information is based upon the first issue. There are two types of changes in volume designation. The first is a change in the descriptive term alone (v. becomes no. or date alone changes to v. and no.) There are various ways of handling this depending upon the circumstances, but the primary point here is that the record is still a match. The second type of change occurs when a publisher begins numbering anew without changing the descriptive term (v. 1-v. 12 (1985-1996) begins again with v. 1 (1997)).  This is still a match. A cataloger will close the first run of the 362 and start a new run using an implied [New ser.] We will use n.s.v. in the call number to avoid duplicate call numbers.

[NOTE: This used to constitute a Non-Match; it was treated as a title change in order to avoid duplicate call numbers. The cutter number on the new record was adjusted. Usually a 130 was added to the new record qualified by place of publication and date.  You may run into these in the Cat.  They are not wrong, but don't emulate them.]

4XX

The appearance or non-appearance of a series statement on one or more volumes of a serial does not constitute Non-Match. Generally this is handled by the use of a 490 and 830 with the appropriate dates noted in the 490. (See: Serials procedure manual, copy processing)

5XX

The information contained in notes can often help you to determine the source of a problem when an item does not fit the description contained in the primary fields. This is when it is actually helpful to have several OCLC records for the same title. Reading each record, you will often find decisions made by other institutions recorded in 5XX notes. These can be invaluable in determining Match/Non-Match, but be warned: do not take the decisions as gospel.