In answer to Birdie MacLennan's questions on cataloging serial CD-ROMS, because
 the Univ. of Florida is a CONSER library and I'm chicken to catalog computer f
iles as CONSER, I've usually opted for the computer files format to catalog ser
ials.  Even if I didn't encode the CD-ROM serial record as CONSER, it would sti
ll worry me with that FUG on a serial record. However, I have had a few titles
for computer files change on me and the computer files format does not handle t
itle changes well at all. So probably the best format to use at this time IS th
e serials format. As for the display of the volume holdings to the public, I us
e the time period that the CD-ROM covers, IF I can determine it, and IF it hold
s true for all the indexes on the CD-ROM. If different indexes cover different
spans of time, I usually add a note in the bibliographic record explaining this
.
We are still discussing multiple versions and are hoping for some sort of natio
nal decision. At this time, computer files get separate bib records.

The ALCTS computer files discussion group discusses cataloging issues such as t
hese. We will be meeting at ALA on Sun morning. Please come if you can. I would
 really like (I NEED) specific examples to bring up at the discussion. Please s
end any computer file cataloging problems to: Colleen Thorburn, University of F
lorida Libraries, Catalog Dept., Gainesville, Fla. 32611-2047. I will be foreve
r indebted to you.  The ALCTS map cataloging discussion group is also going to
be discussing computer files at mid-winter, specifically maps on computer file
s (CD-ROM products such as SUPERMAP and magnetic tape such as LANDSAT).

Colleen Thorburn
University of Florida
COLTHOR at NERVM