Series Tracing

Cataloging and Metadata Services

Contact

Cataloging and Metadata Services
126 Paterno Library
University Park, PA 16802-1808

Phone: (814) 865-1755
Fax: (814) 863-7293
ul-cataloging@lists.psu.edu

Series Tracing

Series Tracing Guidelines
Conditions	Authority File	Field
Item and authority file match exactly	Series traced	490 1# 8XX #[indicator varies] -- 490/8XX identical
Item and authority file match exactly	Series NOT traced: No series	490 0#
Item and authority file DO NOT match exactly	Series traced (differently)	490 1# 8XX #[indicator varies] -- 490/8XX differ
Statement on item	Not in authority file	490 0# (accept MARC copy as found and refer)
Statement on item; series-like phrase	NOT a series	Follow instructions in authority file. Usually, treat as quoted 500 note if statement does not appear in imprint area (ignore if it appears in 260\|b).

Current catalogers need to have a clear understanding of series handling, in particular knowing that the series statement (490 or 440 [obsolete]) in a record reflects the EXACT WAY the series appears in the book. Series which are traced with a parenthetical qualifier that has been added by a cataloger, such as "(New York)" must be input into an 830 field. It is incorrect to enter any series with a parenthetical qualifier as a 440 [obsolete practice] or 490 field because that form of the series simlply does not appear on the book.