Date: Tue, 28 Nov 1995 17:08:06 -0500
From: "Jean L. Hirons" <jhir@LOC.GOV>
Subject: Computer file serials

Forwarded from the INTERCAT list, fyi -- ed.
_______

To:       INTERCAT and CONSERLST
From:     Jean Hirons, Acting CONSER Coordinator
Subject:  Format integration and computer file serials
Date:     Nov. 28, 1995

A number of questions were raised recently concerning computer
file serials, format integration, and CONSER.  Unfortunately with
shut downs, vacations, and lots of work it has been impossible to
respond.  What follows is an explanation of where we are now,
what we will be doing after format integration, and what else to
look for.

1.  What format will we use for a computer file serial after
format integration?

All computer file serials will be coded with leader/06 "m",  a
computer file 008 and a serial 006 once format integration is
accomplished in 1996.  I realize that there may be confusion
caused by the document "Format Integration and its Effect on the
USMARC Bibliographic Format," which distinguishes between items
that are primarily textual and those that aren't.  However, this
document was written some time ago when most computer files were
not textual.  The intent has always been to use the computer file
format for all computer files.

There are a number of people in the Library of Congress and
elsewhere who feel that the computer file environment has changed
considerably and that we should redefine leader code "m" to
include only computer software.  Crystal Graham and Becky Ringler
(UCSD) wrote a very convincing paper which they presented to
CONSER promoting this point and asking CONSER to consider an
interim approach that would use this distinction.  Indeed, we
discussed the proposal at the CONSER Policy meeting the very day
that most of the messages appeared on INTERCAT!  The Network
Development and MARC Standards Office has also just developed a
discussion paper on this topic (DP no. 92) that will be addressed
at MARBI meetings in San Antonio.

2.  Will CONSER have a separate policy from others?

No.  While we discussed the potential for an interim approach,
the decision was that it was too late in the process of
implementing format integration to make any changes.  I also feel
very strongly that all serials catalogers should follow the same
guidelines and code records in the same manner once format
integration is accomplished.

We will, however, actively participate in the discussion of
redefining the leader code and also consider possible changes to
AACR 2.  Many of us feel strongly that content should take
precedence over carrier, but the issue needs to be addressed by
the entire library community.  We look forward to this
discussion.

3.  Why does CONSER now have a separate policy?

Until format integration is complete all CONSER records must be
input in the serials format, otherwise they cannot be
authenticated, identified, and distributed as CONSER records.

If you'd like more detail, the paper that I presented at the
Serials Institute that has been made available on Tools for
Serials Catalogers, Autocat, and Serialst is still accurate.  And
I'm sure that Crystal will be happy to share her thoughts as
well.

We are now preparing the next update to the CONSER Editing Guide which
will be available in March and will contain a completely revised section
on the fixed fields.