As the principal serials cataloger for our library, I routinely edit all
serial records found online.  I have rarely found, what I call, "pure"
records, those that have no changes-however minor-whatsoever.  CONSER
records, non-CONSER records, it doesn't matter.  Only records for recently
started serials are the ones most likely to not require some editing--just
give them time!  The older the serial, the more likely editing will need to
be made, and the more editing that needs to be made.  The reason is obvious,
given the nature of serials as perpetuating organisms.  It's almost expected
that as times goes on a serial will undergo some change or other.  As a
result, I always approach a serial record found in OCLC-or wherever-with the
expectation that I will be making some changes to it.  That's why I catalog
serials-they're never dull!

John Radencich
Florida International University
Miami, Florida 33199
RADENCIC@SERVAX.BITNET
RADENCIC@SERVAX.FIU.EDU