              CATALOGING WEBSITES

A little history

Once upon a time websites were considered to be monographs, some are still monographs (they don’t change) and some are really serials (they change and changes remain distinct parts). However the majority of websites fall into the intruiging category of Integrating resources.

Integrating resources

Integrating resource – An Integrating resource must have evidence of updating/revisions. They will have their own Bib. Level code (i).

Questions on Integrating Resources.

When must we create a new record? Very rarely. That is the point of an integrating entry. Only make a new record for a new/different resource.

The basis of description is what exists now (the latest iteration). The same record is used and updated for changes. Information about earlier iterations are recorded in notes. These resources can be textual, cartographic, visual, sound or a combination. Keep all aspects in mind to properly describe the resource.

Bibliographic fields Remember to Code i even though many have been coded as monographs.

Frequency k for continuously updated or w for web site (for the serial aspect)
form of item s for electronic (For the computer aspect)
$a c |b r (for a remote computer file)

Code additional 007 for any additional aspects (cartographic information, etc.)

Code 008

090 An LC Class number must be assigned for all websites.

245 Title proper. Take title from Home page, HTML header, in main menu. To provide access to other prominent titles, add 246s as necessary.

$h [electronic resource] must follow $a.

247 – Used for Former Titles when the 245 of the same record is being updated to reflect the latest iteration. If a new edition is issued that constitutes an “in toto replacement” of the base volume, a new record would be created with the 780/785 linking fields.

(N.B. A presentation at ALCTS gave the impression that LC would be carefully reviewing its policy about when to create a record for a “new” edition. The implication was that in some circumstances even the “in toto replacement” would not be enough to justify a new record.

Use 250 if applicable. 300 for physical description e.g. 1 website. 310 indicates frequency of updates 362 1 Dates when not from the first/last 500 Source of Title Note. (Should also include a date)

       * Title from home page as viewed on Feb. 1. 2001.

Summary. Can come in handy for keywords. They are usually easy to find on the website. Think Who, What, Where, When and Why. (Cut and Paste.) Avoid emotion based words. Keep them short and to the point.

System requirements. Note if special software or hardware are required to access and use resource. Make a separate 538 for the mode of access.

               + Mode of access: World Wide Web.

550 Issuing body information. A note referring to current and former issuing bodies, including notes containing compiling, editing or translating information that involves an issuing body. Use field 550 also for notes denoting the item as an official organ of a society, etc.

6XX There should be at least 1 Subject Heading.

Linking entries 76X-78X

LC Practice is to give reciprocal linking notes. On the bibliographic history and on important relationships between the resource being described and immediately preceding, immediately succeeding or simultaneously issued resources.

These entries link different language editions, formats, supplements, recording titles.

856 SEE 856 INSTRUCTIONS

The URL should take the user to what is represented by the record and not to a more general or more specific part of the resource.

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