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Discovery Branch

NLM Policy for Titles Issued in Print and Online Versions

 

Monographs

If a monograph is issued in print and online (e.g., a direct access tangible electronic item or a remote access Internet resource) format, NLM catalogs the title using a single record approach. Single records are also created for material issued online and in tangible electronic formats. The catalog record is based on the first format received, with notes being added to describe additional formats available and specific details relating to that format as needed. When the record is based on the online format, the note for the print version includes pagination and illustration details if known.

EXAMPLE:

530      ‡a Issued also in print (xi, 37 p. : ill.).

 

Print Monograph and Direct Access Electronic Version (e.g., CD-ROM)

When a monograph is issued in print and tangible direct access electronic formats, NLM generally only acquires the print format. However, if the electronic version (e.g., CD-ROM or other tangible direct access electronic format) is acquired by NLM, and NLM later receives a print version, the single record approach is followed, and notes about the print version are added to the existing record. Single records are also created for material issued online on the Internet and in tangible direct access electronic formats.

 

Print or Microform Monographs Reissued in Electronic Format Online

For older monographs originally issued in print and then reissued in online format (remote access via the Internet), NLM examines the online format to determine if the reissuance is a exact digitized reproduction of an existing print record, or if it is presented as a new edition or work. This is not an exhaustive examination, but is based on the information provided by the publisher of the online material.

For exact digitized reproductions, NLM follows the single record approach. If NLM owns the original print monograph, information about the online version is added to the existing print record.

If NLM does not own the original print monograph, or if the online version is presented as a new edition, NLM creates a new record for the online title.

For monographs with microfilm preservation copies, NLM follows the single record approach.

AV Monograph with Added Copies in Another Format

For audiovisuals, when added copies are subsequently acquired in a different format (e.g., cataloged initially as a videocassette, another copy added to the collection in DVD), NLM applies the single record approach and uses the cataloging record for the original format as the basis of the bibliographic record. The catalog record for the original format is maintained by adding an additional physical form available note, a physical description fixed field for the additional format, and items/holdings which identify the format of all copies.

 

Serials

General - Single Record Policy

NLM is using the single record approach for serials issued simultaneously in more than one format. This policy applies to print, microform, and direct access serials, as well as to AV serials that are initially acquired in one format and later acquired in another. The catalog record is based on the first format received, with notes being added to describe additional formats available and specific details (e.g., physical description fixed field coding, etc.) relating to that format as needed.

When a serial ceases in one format and continues in another, NLM retains the single record, whether or not there is overlap in the periods the various formats were published. Notes are made about the date the item ceased published in a particular format.

EXAMPLES:

EXAMPLE A:

A serial title is issued in print from 1950-1998.

Beginning in 1999, the print is discontinued and the title is only available online or on CD-ROM.

NLM uses the existing catalog record for the print serial and adds note:

500      ‡a Print issues cease in 1998.
500      ‡a Issued also in microfilm 1999-

EXAMPLE B:

A journal is issued only in print from 1950-1998, issued simultaneously in print and online from 1998-2001, and online only from 2002.

NLM uses the single record approach for this title. The cataloging record is based on the print format and the following notes are added:

500      ‡a Print issues ceased with 2001.
500      ‡a Issued also online 1998-

EXAMPLE C:

In 1991, NLM began an AV serial subscription, acquiring a 1/2 in. videocassette. In 2002, the AV serial title became available in both videocassette and DVD format and NLM's subscription is for the DVD format.

NLM uses the existing serial bibliographic record cataloged as a videorecording and adds notes:

500      ‡a Issued as a 1/2 in. videocassette, 1991-
500      ‡a Issued as a 4 3/4 in. DVD, 2004-

 

Special Circumstances

Cumulations

If the print copies of a serial are cumulated at regular intervals onto a tangible electronic format, NLM applies the single record approach and supplies notes about the electronic cumulation, unless the electronic cumulation has a different title and/or system of designation. Similarly, if electronic issues are cumulated at regular intervals onto a print format, NLM applies the single record approach, providing a note on the catalog record for the electronic serial resource, unless the print cumulation has a different title and/or system of designation. Serials that are issued online and in tangible electronic format are also cataloged using the single record approach, with the catalog record based on the format initially selected.

Separate records are created when a cumulation has a different title and/or system of designation, regardless of the format of the cumulation.

Changes in Mode of Issuance

When a print serial is simultaneously issued online as an integrating resource, NLM uses one record to describe both formats. However separate records are created when a serial ceases in print and is issued only as an online integrating resource. If there was a period of overlap between the two formats, the information about the electronic version is removed from the print record at the time the print format ceases and the integrating resource record created for the online version reflects the actual beginning date of the online publication.

 

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Last Reviewed: August 21, 2014