# Presentation: 749350

## Session 9: What is the Serial About?

_**Session 9: What is the Serial About?**_

- How does subject cataloging for serials differ from monographs?
- How many subject headings are appropriate?
- How do I go about assigning subject headings?
- How are serials classified?

**Notes:**
References
CONSER Cataloging Manual, Module 15
CONSER Editing Guide, Section E, Fields 050, 600-651
Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings
Subject Cataloging Manual: Shelflisting

Warm Up Exercises
See Appendix G for suggestions

Questions for the Session:
The main objective of this session is to review very briefly some basic points in assigning subject headings to serials using LCSH and in classifying them using the LC schedules.  To this end, the following questions will be addressed:
	How does subject cataloging for serials differ from monographs?
	How many subject headings are appropriate?
	How do I go about assigning subject headings?
	How are serials classified?

## Subject Headings:

_**Subject Headings:**_

-  **Assign headings for the whole serial, not for ****	****a single issue**
** ****May need to review the general scope of the serial to be sure that headings are broad enough**
** ****Typically 1-3 subject headings in core ****	****records**
** ****Most important subject comes first and ****	****relates to call number**
-   ** **

**Notes:**

Subject Headings (LCSH): General Guidelines
Examples in the following guidelines assume use of LCSH.

-	Always assign headings that correspond with the subject matter of the serial as a whole as opposed to topics of certain sections of a serial, special thematic issues, etc.
-	Serials will usually have 1 to 3 headings, but should have at least one if any subject headings are appropriate.
-	If a serial covers three or more equal  topics, prefer to use a broader topic.  For example, if the publication discusses angel fish, gouramis, guppies and neon tetras, prefer to use a broader topic such as Aquarium fishes.
-	The most important subject heading, which typically correlates with the classification, comes first and represents the predominant topic of the work.

## Subject Headings (cont’d):

_**Subject Headings (cont’d):**_

** ****assign more than one heading when there is more than one predominant topic**
**Example: South African review of books**
**650  -0  #a South African literature (English) #y 20th century #v Book reviews #v Periodicals.****	**
**651  -0  #a South Africa #v Book reviews #v Periodicals.**

**Notes:**
-	If the predominant topic cannot be represented by a single heading, assign two headings that, taken together, express the predominant topic.  For example, the South African Review of Books needs at least two headings to bring out both the geo-political and literary aspects of its content:

		650 –0 #a South African literature (English) #y 20th century 	             #x Book reviews #v Periodicals
		651 –0 #a South Africa #x Book reviews #v Periodicals

-	 There are some types of serials that will typically have no subject headings. These are usually of a very general nature, such as Newsweek, Time, U.S. News and World Report, etc.  Serials such as these are usually classed in AP by language.

## Strategies for Assigning Subjects:

_**Strategies for Assigning Subjects:**_

-  **for title changes:**
** ****same subject headings as in the old title record**
** ****evaluate the headings:**
** ****Labor and laboring classes**** (no longer valid)**
**use:**
**  ****Working class**
**  ****Labor movement**
**  ****and/or**** Labor**
** ****add new headings if scope has been expanded**

**Notes:**

Strategies for Assigning Subject Headings
	-For title changes:
		- Use the same subject headings as found in the old record for 	the title unless the subject coverage of the journal has 		changed significantly.
		- It is important, however, to evaluate the headings in the 		previous title’s record before using them for the new title.
		For example, the topic “Labor and laboring classes” is no 		longer valid and is now divided into three topics: “Working  	class”, “Labor movement”, and “Labor”.
		- Add new headings if the scope has been expanded.

## Strategies (cont’d.):

_**Strategies (cont’d.):**_

-  look at the contents page, scope statements in a masthead, editorial commentary, instructions to authors, etc. for key words and phrases.
-  search your OPAC
-  use significant words from the title

**Notes:**

Look at contents pages, scope statements in the masthead, editorial commentary, instructions to authors, etc., for key words or phrases.
 Search your OPAC using the subject keyword index and/or the title keyword index using significant words from the title to find similar journals and apply those subject headings after verifying them in an authority file.
 If the title proper or other title information doesn’t convey the subject coverage of the journal, there are other useful sources for subject information on the piece, such as the contents page, a scope statement found in the masthead, editorial commentary, instructions to authors.

## Special cases: Annual reports, etc.

- When corp. body is subject, give in 610
- Give also a topical heading if report covers activities on a topic
**245 10 Annual report of the Library of Congress.**
**610 20 Library of Congress #v Periodicals.**
**650 0- Libraries #z United States #v Periodicals.**
- Do not give topical heading to reflect the body itself

## Special cases: place name in title

- Use a geographical heading or subdivision if the serial focuses on activities in that place
**e.g., Seattle magazine is about Seattle and the Pacific Northwest**
- 651 0  Seattle (Wash.) #v Periodicals
- 651 0  Pacific Northwest #v Periodicals
- Do not use the geographical heading if the place is just that of publication and the scope is broader
**e.g., *****New England journal of medicine***** is not limited to medicine in New England**
- 650 0  Medicine #v Periodicals.

## Form Subdivisions:

-  —**Periodicals**** (most common)**
** **—**Catalogs****,**** **—**Congresses****,**** **—**Directories****,**
** **—**Indexes****, etc.**
** ****subfield x was replaced by subfield v**
**  ****as of February, 1999**

**Notes:**
Form Subdivisions
-	The most commonly used form subdivision is “Periodicals” which is used for publications that are issued regularly (weekly, monthly, biennially, etc.) in successive parts, bear numerical and/or chronological designations and are intended to continue publication indefinitely.

-	Other commonly used form subdivisions are: “Catalogs”, “Congresses”, “Directories”, “Indexes”, etc.  For more on this topic, see the CONSER Editing Guide, Appendix J.

-	Note that subfield “x” for form subdivisions was replaced by subfield “v” as of February 1999.

## Form Subdivisions (cont’d):

-  newspapers:
**651  -0  #a Chicago (Ill.) #v Newspapers.****	**
**651  -0  #a Boston (Mass.) #v Newspapers.**
-  U.S. ethnic newspapers:
**650  -0  #a African Americans #z Massachusetts #z Boston #v Newspapers.**
**	**
**650  -0  #a Greeks #z Illinois #z Chicago #v Newspapers.**
**	**
**650  -0  #a Armenians #z United States #v Newspapers.****	**

**Notes:**
Newspapers are a special case:

Newspapers usually are assigned a subject heading based on place of publication and/or geographical area of coverage.

Ethnic newspapers published in the United States are, however, usually assigned additional topical subject headings.  

## LC Classification:

_**LC Classification:**_

**Record 1(English title):**
**T1**
** ****650 -0 #a Technology #v Periodicals**.
**Record 2 (German title):**
**T3**
** ****650 -0 #a Technology #v Periodicals**.**	**

**T ****	****Technology (General)**
**	****T1-4****	****Periodicals and        societies.  By language of publication**
**	****T1****	****English**
**	****T2****	****French**
**	****T3****	****German**
**	****T4****	****Other languages (not A-Z)**
**	****T5*****	*****Yearbooks***** ***
**	****T6****	****Congresses**
**	****	****Industrial    museums,**
**                     ****etc.,  see T179+**
**	****	****International exhibitions,**
**                     ****see T391+**
**	****T7****	****Collected works**
**                     ****(nonserial)**

**Notes:**
LC Classification for Serials
-	Generally, specific class numbers or ranges of numbers are found at the beginning of each topical division or subdivision in the LC schedules.  
-	In the example illustrated in the slide, class numbers have been assigned based on the subject heading(s) listed.
-	 Note that the heading “Yearbooks” is now obsolete and new titles are generally not classified under these numbers in the schedules.  As the schedules are revised, LC intends to remove these numbers.

	Record 1: English title
		Class number: T1
		Heading:	650 –0 #a Technology #v Periodicals
	Record 2: Germa title
		Class number T3
		Heading:	650 –0 #a Technology #v Periodicals

## LC Classification (cont’d.):

_**LC Classification (cont’d.):**_

**Industrial directories**
**T11.95****	****General works**
**                ****By region or country**
**T12-12.3****	****United States**
**T12****	****	****General works**
**T12.3.A-Z****	****By region or state, A-Z**
**	****Under each state:**
**	****.x General   works**
**	****.x2A-Z****	****Local, A-Z**
**T12.5.A-Z****	****Other regions or  countries, A-Z**
**	****Under each country:**
**	****.x****	****General works**
**	****.x2A-Z****	****Local, A-Z**

**Record 1:**
**T12.3.C18**
**651 -0 #a California #x Industry #v Directories.****	**
**Record 2:**
**T12.5.V4**
**651 -0 #a Venezuela #x Industry #v Directories.****	**

**Notes:**
-	If provision has been made for geographic aspects of a topic, classify the serial as a general work under the appropriate topic.  For example,

	Record 1:
	Class number T12.3C18
	Heading:	      651 –0 #a California #x Industry #v Directories

	Record 2:
	Class number  T12.5.V4
	Heading:	      651 –0 #v Venezuela #x Industry #v Directories

## LC Classification (cont’d.):

_**LC Classification (cont’d.):**_

- History
- Including the history of inventions
**T14.7 Periodicals, societies, serials, etc.**
- T15	General works
- T16	Ancient
- T17	Medieval
- T18	Modern
- T19	19th-20th centuries
- T20	20th century
- Including "technological wonders of the modern world"

**Example:**
**T14.7**
**650 -0 #a Technology #x History #v Periodicals.****	**

**Notes:**
-	If the subject heading is more specific, classify the title more closely.  For example,
	Record 1:
	Class number T14.7
	Heading:         650 –0 #a Technology #x History #v Periodicals

-	Class numbers are usually assigned based on the predominant subject matter of the publication as often expressed in the first subject heading in the cataloging record.
-	Many subject authority records contain suggested class numbers or ranges of numbers for the topic.  These should always be checked in the LC schedules to verify that the number is appropriate for serials.
-	One major exception commonly followed in classifying serials is that when titles change but the serial essentially continues in the same subject matter, it is assigned the same class number and cutter as the earlier title.  This keeps the entire run of the serial together on the shelves, as most patrons tend to expect.  Two common exceptions to this practice are:
	1.  If the subject matter of the new title varies significantly, the new title may be reclassed to a more appropriate location in the collection.
	2.  If the new title begins its numbering pattern over from one, the new title is newly classed or a successive cutter is assigned to the same class number to keep the run together.

## LC Classification (cont’d.):

_**LC Classification (cont’d.):**_

**Operations research.  Systems analysis**
**Cf. QA402+, Analytical methods connected with physical problems**
**T57.6.A1         Periodicals, **
**                       ****societies, etc.**
**T57.6.A2-Z     General works**

-   **Example:**
**T57.6.A1**
**650 -0 #a Technology #x Research #v Periodicals.****	**

- In some cases, the schedules call for the classifier to assign a second cutter after a generic serial cutter

**Notes:**
In some cases, the schedules call for the classifier to assign a second cutter after a generic serial cutter.  For example,

Record 1:
Class number  T57.6.A1
Heading:          650 –0 #x Technology #x Research #v Periodicals

There are many variations on these schemes in the LC schedules such as cutter lists for places or topics; successive cutters, etc.

If you are using copy for your cataloging record and it contains an LC, CONSER member, or OCLC member-assigned call  number, you may simply use these as they are.  Some libraries, however, prefer to add a “trailing lowercase x” or a zero to the final cutter to avoid any possibility of duplication.

## Cuttering Serials:

_**Cuttering Serials:**_

-  **successive work letters for corporate main    entry:**
**RA997.U48a    United States. Congress...**
**                               ****Nursing home care in the ...**
**RA997.U48b    United States. Congress...**
**                                           ****Annual report of the  ...**
-  **successive Cutters for translations:**
**Z6723.U5     Military review  (English original)**
**Z6723.U52   Military review  (Portuguese ed.)**
**Z6723.U53   Military review  (Spanish ed.)**
-  Otherwise, c**utter by main entry (usually title)**

**Notes:**
Cuttering Class Numbers for Serials
-	Add successive work letters beginning with “a” to Cutters for serials entered under corporate bodies to collocate all serials entered under the same body in the same class number.  For example,

		RA997.U48a	United States. Congress ...
			    Nursing home care in the ...
		RA 997.U48b	United States.  Congress ...
			     Annual report of the ...

-	Reprints and translations of serials use successive Cutters in order of receipt for the reprints and translations rather than translation Cutters as for monographs.  For example,
		Z6723.U5	Military review (English original)
		Z6723.U52	Military review (Portuguese ed.)
		Z6723.U53	Military review (Spanish ed.)
-	Otherwise, Cutter for the main entry – typically the title – unless instructed otherwise in the schedules.

## Summary

- Assign at least one subject heading unless subject is too general
- Assign headings to cover the scope of the whole serial, not any one issue
- Classification is usually based on the first subject heading
- Cutters are assigned based on the main entry

## Session 9: Exercises

**Notes:**
Instructions for Exercises
Part A is appropriate for workshops where the sessions on original cataloging were not given or as more examples that can be used once Part B is done.
Part B allows those who did the original cataloging sessions to complete their records with subject  headings.

Choose as many subject headings as seem called for by the information provided.  Indicate tags, indicators and subfields as necessary.

Trainers: Appropriate choice are indicated in bold face.

## Answers for Exercises:

- Part A:
- Example 1
- Choices:
- 650  -0  #a Wine industry #z France #z Bordeaux #v Periodicals.
- 650  -0  #a Wine districts #z France #z Bordeaux #v Periodicals.
**650  -0  #a Wine #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: TP544

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

The publication is about wine in general so a general subject heading is chosen.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 2
- Choices:
- 650  -0  #a Aquariums #x Equipment and supplies #v Periodicals.
- 650  -0  #a Tropical fish #v Periodicals.
- 650  -0  #a Aquarium fishes #v Periodicals.
**650  -0  #a Aquariums #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: SF456

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

The publication is about aquariums in general so a general subject heading is chosen.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 3
- Choices:
- 650  -0  #a Cotton #v Periodicals.
**650  -0  #a** **Cotton manufacture #v Periodicals.**
**650  -0  #a Textile industry #v Periodicals.**
- 650  -0  #a Cotton textiles #v Periodicals.
- 650  -0  #a Textile fabrics #v Periodicals.
- Class number:  HD9870-9889 (Table H18)

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

The emphasis of the publication is on the industrial aspects, not the textiles themselves.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 4
- Choices:
- 650  -0  #a Science #v Periodicals.
- 650  -0  #a History #v Periodicals.
**650  -0  #a Science #x History #v Periodicals.**
**650  -0  #a** **Science #x History #v Bibliography #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: Q124.6

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

Q124.6 is chosen because it places the publication with other periodicals published by societies devoted to the history of science.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Part B: Example 1: Bells and bellringing
**650  -0  #a** **Carillons #v Periodicals.**
**650  -0  #a Change ringing #v Periodicals.**
- Class number:  MT710

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

Two subject headings are assigned to reflect the two aspects of the publication: bells and bell ringing.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 2:  Newsletter / #c Illinois State Genealogical Society.
**610  20  #a Illinois State Genealogical Society #v Periodicals. **
**651  -0  #a Illinois #x Genealogy #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: F536

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 3:  The Art Institute of Chicago annual report
**610  20  #a Art Institute of Chicago #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: N530

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

The publication is an annual report about the operations of the Art Institute.  Therefore, the first subject heading assigned is for the corporate body.  The second heading is more general.

## Exercises (cont’d):

- Example 4: California information almanac
**651  -0  #a California #v Periodicals.**
- Class number: F856

**Notes:**

Points to mention:

The primary focus of the almanac is about the State of California.  Therefore, a geographical subject heading is assigned.