For libraries that have, or are about to have, automated circulation
systems as part of integrated systems, I have a few questions about
item records. Do you create item records for the first volume of a
new serial? This seems to be a "tradition" in some libraries, and
I like the idea, though I am not 100% sure why! Is this done so that
a pattern can be set (for recording volume/enumeration info. correctly
in case anyone later creates an item record for a later volume?)

What about subsequent volumes of serials? Do some libraries routinely
create item records for all serial volumes? Or for volumes for which
the latest edition is always "circulated" to Reference or Reserve?
Or for serial titles that are allowed to circulate generally/to patrons?
Or periodical volumes being "circulated" to the Bindery?

My most important question: WHO (as in WHAT DEPARTMENT?) creates these
item records in your library? And who maintaines them, i.e., deletes
them when volumes are discarded or re-links them to the correct
bibliographic record if serial bib. records are merged/collapsede
locally to follow OCLC or RLIN use. I would appreciate any input.
(I will be asking the same questions over NOTISACQ.)