In Serials Cataloging Handbook (ALA, 1989), in the chapter on changes
in title proper, author states

   "Do not consider the title proper to have changed if the title
    fluctuates from issue to issue.  Fluctuating titles occur
    when

      The title switches back to a former title"

I cannot find this rule in AACR2, LCRI, or CSB 36 pr 38.

If this rule still exists, could someone cite me a current source and
how to apply it?  That is, when a title resumes an earlier title,
does one go back to the earlier title, change d to c in fixed
fields, replace ending date, remove 785s, etc., etc., add note
that title fluctuates and give 246 access to variant titles?

Atlantic Monthly would be a perfect candidate for this rule.  As
over the years title has fluctuated between Atlantic and Atlantic
Monthly five times.  We now have five bibliographic records in
our catalog and I am sure we are confusing patrons.

How have other libraries handled this?

Thanks.
Jo Hunter
Head of Cataloging
Mesa State College
1200 College Place
Grand Junction, CO 81501

internet:jhunter@mesa5.mesa.colorado.edu
voice: (303) 248-1863
fax: (303) 248-1930