I hope my lament about dealing with publication pattern quirks in an
online catalog was understood as being delivered with tongue in cheek.
The OPAC records and claiming features certainly make the frustrations
worthwhile.
  Our system is Dynix.  Its troublesome features are well known by the
Dynix serials user group.  Unfortunately, Ameritech has expressed a
desire to focus their programming efforts in other directions, so the
difficulties will remain in place for the foreseeable future.  On a
positive note, I will say that I like the way the serial records appear
in the OPAC.
  I agree with Mary S. Hodgin's comment that the real problem lies with
the publishers, and that we should keep bugs in their ears.  I'll try to
do my part to follow Mitch Turitz's inspiring lead, and take the time to
explain to publishers the problems they sometimes create for us.
  By the way, if anyone uses Dynix and has a solution for the new pattern
for the British Journal of Haematology, please let me know.

Steve Black
The College of Saint Rose
Albany, NY
blacks@rosnet.strose.edu