These codes are used throughout the examples:

month	01-12
day	01-31*
season	21	spring
	22	summer
	23	autumn
	24	winter

*Codes for days are used only in 853-855 |x and |y, where two digits are required. The actual days of the month of issues are recorded in subfields of the 863-865 with one or two digits and no leading zero.

Season codes as defined by the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data assume astronomical seasons of the northern hemisphere, with the first season of the year being spring.

Astronomical seasons of the southern hemisphere (e.g., for Australian publications) cannot currently be predicted using these season codes. However, these codes may be used for description. Any season that is not an astronomical season (e.g., liturgical seasons) must be spelled out when used as chronology and cannot be used for prediction.

Example 29: Serial containing volumes in different editions

A. Use an 863 |z for note explaining volumes published in different editions. In many circumstances, it will be preferable to catalog different editions on separate analytic records, especially if there are many volumes in later editions. For serials containing volumes in different editions:

Holdings record:
853 00  |8 1 |a no. |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 250-281 |z no.260, 267, 274 are 2nd ed.; no.261 is 4th ed.; no.273 and no.275 are 5th ed.

Alternatively:
Holdings record:
853 00  |8 1 |a no. |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 250-259
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 260 |z 2nd ed.
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 261 |z 4th ed.
863 40  |8 1.4 |a 262-266
863 41  |8 1.5 |a 267 |z 2nd ed.
863 40  |8 1.6 |a 268-272
863 41  |8 1.7 |a 273 |z 5th ed.
863 41  |8 1.8 |a 274 |z 2nd ed.
863 41  |8 1.9 |a 275 |z 5th ed.
863 40  |8 1.10 |a 276-281

B. In cases in which a term used to convey that an issue has been revised or corrected is presented in combination with the enumeration or chronology, it is best practice to record the information about the revised or corrected nature of the issue in subfield |z, rather than including it in an enumeration or chronology subfield.

Example of designations (on piece as: no. 41(Rev.) November 1963):

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2 [complete or ceased]
008/16: 3 [scattered]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 00  |8 1 |a no. |i (year)  |j (month)
863 41 |8 1.1 |a 41 |i 1963 |j 11 |z Rev.

Example 30: Regular frequency with extra issue

The following publication appears monthly with an additional issue in October. This issue is called "Extra Issue" and it becomes no. 11 of the current volume; the issue for November is no. 12, and December is no. 13. Code the frequency as monthly (m) in the 853 |w and use 853 |y to record actual issues; a note may be included in the 863 subfield |z to identify the extra issue.

The 853 |u is coded "13" to indicate that there are 13 issues per volume, and |v is coded as "r" to indicate that the numbering restarts when the next volume is received.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 13 |v r |i (year)  |j (month) |w m |x 01 |y pm01,02,03,04,05,06,07,08,09,10,10,11,12
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 9-11 |i 1984-1986 |z no.11 in each vol. called “Extra issue”

Example 31: Combined issues

In this example, a serial is always issued as a combined volume, such that both numbering and chronology span volumes and years.

In the 853 field, do not use a slash in enumeration or chronology captions to indicate that the numbering or chronology spans more than one issue or year (i.e., do not use v./v., month/month, year/year).

In the 863 field, a span in enumeration or chronology is recorded using a slash (e.g., 1987/1988).

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [complete or ceased]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% held]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 3/4-5/6 |i 1980/1981-1982/1983

Example 32: Expanding abbreviated numbering and chronology

Publications that have either the year or the numbering in an abbreviated form (i.e., understood digits are omitted) should be expanded to full form. This rule applies to volume and issue numbers (e.g., no. 123/4 should be recorded as 123/124) and years (e.g., 1988/89 should be recorded as 1988/1989). (ANSI/NISO Z39.71, sec. 5.5.5.2)

A. Example of numbering (on piece as v. 2, no.21/2):

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete – 50-94% of journal held]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 2 |b 21/22 |i 1988

B. Example of year (on piece as 1988/89):

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete – 50-94% of journal held]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 5 |b 3 |i 1988/1989

Example 33: Incomplete volumes and breaks

A. Incomplete volumes and breaks are recorded in separate 863 fields.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete (95-100%)]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year)  |j (month) |w q |x 03
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1 |b 1-2 |i 1985 |j 03-06 |w g
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 1 |b 4 |i 1985 |j 12

B. Another publication is issued with two issues per volume. The second issue of one volume is published with the first issue of the next volume (i.e., this is the intention of the publisher and not a local binding decision). As long as a library holds full volumes, the holding display is fairly straightforward, but when gaps occur (issues are missing), the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data cannot easily handle this publication pattern.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [complete or ceased]
008/16: 1   [complete (95-100%)]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 2 |v r |i (year) |j (season) |w f |x 24 |y ps24,23
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1-7 |i 1978-1985
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 8 |b 1 |i 1986 |j 24 |w g |x published with v.7:no.2 (1985:fall)
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 9 |b 2 |i 1987 |j 23 |x published with v.10:no.1 (1988:winter)
863 40  |8 1.4 |a 10-12 |i 1988-1990
863 41  |8 1.5 |a 13 |b 1 |i 1991 |j 24 |x published with v.12:no.2 (1990:fall)

Example 34: Publication patterns that can be compressed but not expanded

The first indicator value "1" in the 853 field is used to describe those serials that have publication patterns that can be compressed, but not expanded (i.e., itemized). This is the case when one can determine how many issues make up a volume, and whether or not the issue numbering restarts when the volume increments (853 |u and |v information), but neither the publication frequency (|w or a combination of |w and |y information), nor the month, season or month and day that the volume increments (|x information) is determinable.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [Complete (95-100%)]
008/22-24: ger [language code German]
853 10  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 5 |v c |i (year) |j (month)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1 |i 1994
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 2 |b 6 |i 1995 |j 01 |w g
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 2 |b 8 |i 1995 |j 04 |w g
863 40  |8 1.4 |a 4-5 |i 1997-1998

Example 35: Numbering inconsistent

The first three issues of this publication contain confusing or non-existent enumeration and chronology. By reviewing all four issues, you can see that there is enumeration and chronology present, but they are used inconsistently. In this case, code as if the enumeration and chronology are present and optionally use an 863 |z note to describe the unusual numbering.

Example, if recording the issues and notes individually:

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [ceased or complete]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 00  |8 1 |a (*) |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a [1] |i 1983 |z Title page of no.1 = Fusion ‘83
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 2 |i 1984 |z Title page of no.2 = Fusion Too
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 3 |i 1985 |z Title page of no.3 = Fusion San
863 41  |8 1.4 |a 4 |i 1986 |z Title page of no.4 = Fusion - 4

Alternatively:
853 02 |8 1 |a (*) |i (year)
863 40 |8 1.1 |a [1]-4 |i 1983-1986 |z Titles appear as: Fusion ’83, Fusion Too, Fusion San, Fusion - 4

Example 36: Error in numbering

The third issue in volume 5 of this journal was published with incorrect numbering. The correct numbering is recorded in the enumeration subfields and the misnumbering is described in a public note in subfield |z of field 863.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [ceased or complete]
008/16: 2   [incomplete – 50-94% of journal held]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 5 |i 1988 |z v.5:no.3 misnumbered as v.5:no.1

Note: Apply this method of recording numbering errors when the information may be helpful to the user. Numbering errors may also be recorded in the bibliographic record; in cases when there are numerous errors, the note in the bibliographic record may describe the situation generally without specifying details.

Example 37: Unnumbered issues

The following serial is published with volume numbering. Issue numbering appears only on some issues; each issue is also identified by year and season. When an entire volume is held, it is generally unnecessary to detail via multiple 863 fields which of the issues lack issue numbers. The absence of numbering may be noted in 863 subfield |z.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year) |j (season)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1 |i 1987 |z summer and fall issue numbers missing

Alternatively, multiple 863 fields may be used in exceptional cases to detail which issues lack issue numbering. When the issue number is not present, 863 subfield |b is not used.

Holdings record:
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 1 |b 1 |i 1987 |j 21
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 1 |i 1987 |j 22 |z issue number missing
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 1 |i 1987 |j 23 |z issue number missing
863 41  |8 1.4 |a 1 |b 4 |i 1987 |j 24

Alternatively, when you know with certainty what the missing issue numbers should be (as when you have an issue numbered 1 and another numbered 4 with two intervening unnumbered issues), you may supply the issue number in brackets in 863 subfield |b.

Holdings record:
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year) |j (season)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 1 |b 1 |i 1987 |j 21
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 1 |b [2] |i 1987 |j 22
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 1 |b [3] |i 1987 |j 23
863 41  |8 1.4 |a 1 |b 4 |i 1987 |j 24

Example 38: Continuous numbering as second level of enumeration

When a second level of enumeration continues instead of restarting whenever the first level of enumeration (e.g., volume) increments, and the first level of enumeration is not adequate to identify the item uniquely, do not record such a second level of enumeration as alternative numbering in a subfield |g of fields 853/863. Also, when compressing holdings statements at the first level of enumeration, omit the second level of enumeration. Alternatively, if details about the second level of enumeration are considered necessary, only compress at the second level of enumeration.

Example of continuously incrementing second level of enumeration:

v.1:fasc.1
v.1:fasc.2
v.2:fasc.3
v.2:fasc.4
v.3:fasc.5
v.3:fasc.6

Correct coding:

Holdings record:
853 00 |8 1 |a v. |b fasc.
863 40 |8 1.1 |a 1-3

alternatively:

Holdings record:
853 00 |8 1 |a v. |b fasc.
863 40 |8 1.1 |a 1 |b 1-2
863 40 |8 1.2 |a 2 |b 3-4
863 40 |8 1.3 |a 3 |b 5-6

Example 39: Alternative numbering

A. A publication may have primary numeric designations of issues and alternative numeric designations. In cases where there are two concurrent numbering systems to be recorded, the primary numbering is recorded in subfield |a through subfield |f, and the alternative numbering is recorded in subfields |g and |h. Subfield |g information should be present in any 863 field that shows two systems of numbering.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 12 |v r |g no. |i (year) |j (month) |w m |x 03
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 22 |b 4-5 |g 122-123 |i 1983 |j 06-07

B. The following serial is identified at the highest level (subfield |a of the 853/863 fields) by year and at the second level by restarting numbering (subfield |b). (See also Example 49 for a fuller discussion of chronology as enumeration.) There is also a continuously incrementing alternative numbering scheme ("issue no.") that is coded in subfield |g. Chronological designations of year and month are recorded in subfield |i and subfield |j.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
008/22-24: fre [language code French]
853 20  |8 1 |a (*) |b (*) |u 4 |v r |g issue no. |i (year) |j (month) |w q |x 03 |y cm01/03,04/06,07/09,10/12
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1979 |b 3-4 |g 11-12 |i 1979 |j 07/09-10/12
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 1980-1985 |g 13-36 |i 1980-1985
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 1986 |b 1 |g 37 |i 1986 |j 01/03

Note: Prediction and display of holdings don't work correctly in Alma when both 853 |a and |i have (year), so we use (*) in subfield |a. If both subfields have (year), the first 863 will display as "1979:3-1979:4" instead of the correct display of "1979:3=issue no.11(1979:July/Sept.)-1979:4=issue no.12(1979:Oct./Dec.)"

For more information concerning pieces that have continuous numbering as the second level of enumeration, see Appendix E of the Holdings Records in the HOLLIS Catalog policy document (see link at Bibliographic Standards Working Group (iSite holding area).

Example 40: Missing captions

When there are no captions on the piece(s), a placeholder for the caption is recorded in 853 subfields as an asterisk enclosed in parentheses, i.e., (*). This identifies the level of data and indicates that no caption is present. The parentheses prevent the display of the asterisk in the public catalog.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
853 00  |8 1 |a (*) |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 3 |i 1983

Example 41: Captions — New series in captions

Series designations, such as new series or second series, are recorded as part of the caption information in the highest level of enumeration (subfield |a). Each new series is treated as a change in publication pattern and a new 853 field is created for the series (cf. MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data, 853-855, subfield |a).

In this example, the serial started a new series with volume 1, but it wasn't designated as a new series. This designation is supplied in brackets in 853 |a. It later began another series called "second series."

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year) |w q
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 14 |b 2 |i 1960 |w g
853 20  |8 2 |a [new ser.]:v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year) |w q
863 41  |8 2.1 |a 5 |b 3 |i 1970 |w g
853 20  |8 3 |a 2nd ser.:v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year) |w q
863 41  |8 3.1 |a 2 |b 3 |i 1986

Example 42: Captions — Captions in different languages

This monthly journal is identified by two levels of numbering (Jahrgang, and issue numbering that restarts with each Jahrgang) and two levels of chronology (year and month). In 1947, the captions and chronology changed from German to Spanish, requiring that a new 853 pattern be established. The publication continues to be a monthly, identified by two levels of numbering (año, and issue numbering that restarts with each año) and two levels of chronology (year and month).

The language code in the 008 fixed field of the holdings record specifies the language to be used for numeric values in chronological captions. It is not possible to code a record for more than one language for chronological captions. In order that the language code “spa” can be used for current receipts, any numeric codes for months or seasons found in the 863 fields relating to other languages are changed to their literal text values. The language code “mul” is not used.

Example, when language of captions changes to Spanish:

Holdings record:
008/22-24: spa [language code Spanish]
853 20  |8 1 |a Jahrg. |b Nr. |u 12 |v r |i (year) |j (month) |w m |x 01
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 7 |b 7-8 |i 1940 |j Juli-Aug. |w g
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 8 |b 4-12 |i 1941 |j Apr.-Dez. |w g
853 20  |8 2 |a año |b no. |u 12 |v r |i (year) |j (month) |w m |x 01
863 40  |8 2.1 |a 14 |b 5-12 |i 1947 |j 05-12

Example 43: Captions — Ordinal numbers

Ordinal numbers are indicated in the 853-855 fields using the plus sign, "+" before the caption, for example, |a +ed. Note that the plus sign should be input before the caption with no space in between.

If no caption is available, the plus sign is recorded alone to indicate that the data in the 863-865 fields refer to an ordinal number. Data in 863-865 fields are recorded as cardinal numbers, i.e. without additions like “th”, “ème”, “a”, “o” or a period after the number.

Code 008/22-24 for the language of the captions to generate the ordinal number for public display. (Note: as of 2018, ordinal numbers are generated in English, regardless of the code in 008. Continue to code for the correct language of the captions.)

A. Example: designations appear on piece as "Third, 1989":

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 00  |8 1 |a + |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 3 |i 1989

B. Example: designations appear on piece as 6ème édition, 1986:

Holdings record:
008/22-24: fre [language code French]
853 00  |8 1 |a +éd. |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 6 |i 1986

The plus sign does not display in the public catalog and there is no need to enclose it in parentheses. Ordinal numbers are not used in holdings records for Chinese, Japanese or Korean numbering. Always use cardinal numbers for these languages. Neither ANSI/NISO Z39.71 nor MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data requires the expression of numbers in ordinal form. It is acceptable to omit the plus sign for captions in languages that are not programmed to display in the public catalog.

Example 44: Captions — Roman numerals

Convert designations in roman numerals or numbers written as words to their arabic number equivalents (ANSI/NISO Z39.71, sec. 5.5.4.3). This instruction also applies to rare serials, since some automated uses of coded holdings data rely on arabic numbers.

A. Issue in hand: Anno XII no. 2 Maggio 1983

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
008/22-24: ita [language code Italian]
853 00  |8 1 |a anno |b no. |i (year) |j (month)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 12 |b 2 |i 1983 |j 05

B. The following journal is issued in two parts each year. The title page presentation of enumeration on one is: Vol.1(VIII) with date 1992. A second issue has title page presentation of enumeration as: Vol.2 (VIII) with publication date 1992, and a third issue has title page presentation of enumeration as: Vol.1 (IX) with date 1993 The roman numeral VIII represents the annual volume number. "Volume 1" represents the first of two parts within the annual volume, “volume 2” represents the second part of the volume.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
853 20 |8 1 |a (*) |b v. |u 2 |v r |i (year)
863 40 |8 1.1 |a 8 |i 1992
863 41 |8 1.2 |a 9 |b 1 |i 1993

Example 45: Chronology spanning a calendar year

Chronological coverage that spans more than one year is recorded using the first year of coverage and the last year of coverage separated by a slash. Spans include consecutive years; spans may include two years, e.g., 1999/2000, or more than two years, e.g., 1987/1989.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
853 00  |8 1 |a v. |i (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 54 |i 1976/1977

Alternatively:
Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 00  |8 1 |a (year)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 1980/1983

Example 46: Chronology — Multiyear coverage

The following serial is published in one issue each year, with a publication pattern of one volume covering four years. This publication pattern is currently not predictable using MARC 21 coding.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year) |w a
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1 |i 1985-1988
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 2 |b 1-2 |i 1989-1990 |w g
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 2 |b 4 |i 1992

Example 47: Chronology — Issues spanning a calendar year

The following Spanish-language serial is published every two months and includes an issue at the end of each year designated as, for example, diciembre 1996/enero 1997. If one of these issues needs to be recorded separately, as when there are gaps before and after the issue, the normal coding of the 853/863 fields with |i (year) and |j (month) in 853 and codes for the months in 863:

853 00 |8 1 |a núm. |i (year) |j (month) |w b
863 41 |8 1.2 |a 759 |i 1996/1997 |j 12/01 |w g

would produce a display that looks like this in the public catalog: núm.759(1996/1997:dic./enero)

A. To produce the desired display of "núm.759(1996:dic./1997:enero)" the combined form of the date may be recorded as a literal in 863 |i.

Recommended practice:

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: spa [language code Spanish]
853 00  |8 1 |a núm. |i (year) |j (month) |w b
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 700-757 |i 1987-1996 |w g
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 759 |i 1996:dic./1997:enero |w g
863 40  |8 1.3 |a 761-764 |i 1997 |j 04/05-10/11

B. In older records, Harvard's former recommended practice of using 853 |j (date) may be encountered (see below). However, it is not possible to predict issues with this pattern and literals must be used for the dates in 863 |j. It is not necessary to change these records to reflect current recommended practice.

Holdings record:
853 00  |8 1 |a núm. |i (year) |j (date) |w b
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 700-757 |i 1987-1996 |w g
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 759 |i 1996:dic./1997:enero |w g
863 40  |8 1.3 |a 761-764 |i 1997 |j abril/mayo-oct./nov.

Example 48: Recording gaps

When holdings are incomplete, record data hierarchically, that is, as complete year, then complete months; otherwise public display is confusing. Breaks in the enumeration and chronology are recorded in the 863 field |w.

There are two values to |w: "g" (published gap or gap break), or "n" (nonpublished gap or nongap break). Code "g" is used when parts that have been published are lacking in a library collection. Code "g" is also used when the cause of the gap is unknown or in doubt.

A. Example: library owns v. 1-5, 7-10 of a periodical. Volume 6 was published, but the library never received it, or it was lost, or the exact reason why the library does not own volume 6 is not known.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 4 |v r |i (year) |j (month) |w q |x 01
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1-5 |i 1990-1994 |w g
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 7-10 |i 1996-1999

The 863 |w code "n" is used when the break is due to unpublished part(s) or a lack of continuity in the enumeration and chronology of the parts.

B. Example: the periodical below was not published in 1916:

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [complete or ceased]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 20  |8 1 |a (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1900-1915 |w n
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 1917-1940

Example 49: Chronology as enumeration

A. When a publication is identified only by chronological designations and has no enumeration, the chronology is recorded in subfields |a to |f of the 853/863. The chronology subfields (|i to |m) are not used.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 00  |8 1 |a (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1976-1978

B. A serial designated by year with restarting numbering is entered with the chronology as the highest level of enumeration and the restarting numbers as the second level of enumeration.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 00  |8 1 |a (year) |b no.
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1988 |b 1-3

C. But, when a serial is identified by year and there is no enumeration and issues of each year are also identified by month (or other second level chronology), code chronology in subfield |a and subfield |b.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 00  |8 1 |a (year) |b (month)
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 1988 |b 01

D. When a serial is identified by year, the year can be both the highest level of enumeration and the highest level of chronology. When issues of each year are numbered starting with one, and each issue is also identified by month (or other second level chronology), code enumeration in subfield |a and subfield |b, and code chronology in subfield |i and subfield |j. In some cases, the year is not stated as a level of enumeration but must be inferred by the fact that the issue numbering restarts each year.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
008/22-24: ger [language code German]
853 00  |8 1 |a (*) |b no. |i (year) |j (month)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1988 |b 4-6 |i 1988 |j 04-06

Note: Prediction and display of holdings don't work correctly in Alma when both 853 |a and |i have (year), so we use (*) in subfield |a.

E. The following serial is designated by year, restarting numbering and a continuous numbering scheme (alternative numbering). (See also Example 39 for a fuller discussion of alternative numbering.) Because the numbering restarts with each year, it does not by itself uniquely identify a piece; year must be used as the highest level of enumeration in the 853/863 subfield |a.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
853 20  |8 1 |a (year) |b zesz. |u 6 |v r |g (*) |w t |y ce21/2,3/4,5/6
863 41  |8 1.1 |a 1982 |b 3/4 |g 123/124 |w g
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 1983-1984 |g 127/128-137/138
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 1985 |b 1/2 |g 139/140

F. Some serials have as their highest level of enumeration ordinal-year numbering that has a chronological-like aspect, e.g. année, año, Jahrgang. For example, Bulletin de l’Association de géographes français is identified by ordinal-year numbering (année), a restarting number, and two levels of chronological designation.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94% of journal held]
008/22-24: fre  [language code French]
853 10  |8 1 |a +année |b (*) |u 12 |v r |i (year) |j (month)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 63-64 |i 1986-1987
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 65 |b 1-4 |i 1988 |j 01-04 |w g
863 40  |8 1.3 |a 65 |b 7-8 |i 1988 |j 07-08 |w g
863 40  |8 1.4 |a 65 |b 10-12 |i 1988 |j 10-12
863 40  |8 1.5 |a 66-68 |i 1989-1991

Example 50: Publication date used as chronology

If a serial lacks true chronological designation, the date of publication of the issue may be recorded as a chronological designation instead to give the user an indication of the time frame of the issues. This date may not appear on the title page. In the example that follows, the publication date was taken from the verso of the title page.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 33  |8 1 |a (*) |b (*) |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 3-4 |i 1983-1984
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 5 |b 1-2 |i 1985 |w g
863 40  |8 1.3 |a 6 |i 1986

Note: Recording dates of publication as chronological designations may lead to problems. For example, another issue of a serial may bear a true chronological designation (e.g., a coverage date) that is exactly the same as the date of publication already used, which may confuse users. Correcting such confusion may be difficult and time-consuming for staff, especially when a large percentage of our collections are in offsite storage.

Example 51: Using coverage and publication dates

This publication is identified only by the chronological designation of year. There is also a publication date on the title page.

In most cases, you will probably reject the publication date and use the chronological coverage to identify each volume. However, if the publication date begins to vary significantly from the coverage date (for example, 1939 coverage, published in 1950), and this variation is considered important, continue to use the coverage date as the chronological designation and record the publication date in 863 subfield |z.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 2   [ceased or complete]
008/16: 1   [complete]
853 20  |8 1 |a (year) |w a
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1920-1937 |w g
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 1939-1955 |z 1939-1945 published in 1950

Example 52: Chronology — Date identified by year, month, day

The chronology for the following periodical is the full date (year, month and day). The year is coded in subfield |i of the 853/863 fields, month is coded in subfield |j and day is coded in subfield |k.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94%]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a v. |b no. |u 52 |v r |i (year) |j (month) |k (day) |w w |x 0101 |y pdmo
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 40-44 |i 1981-1985
863 40  |8 1.2 |a 45 |b 1-13 |i 1986 |j 01-03
863 40  |8 1.3 |a 45 |b 14-15 |i 1986 |j 04 |k 7-14 |w g
863 41  |8 1.4 |a 45 |b 17 |i 1986 |j 04 |k 28
863 40  |8 1.5 |a 45 |b 18-52 |i 1986 |j 05-12

When holdings are incomplete, record data in the lowest level of enumeration or chronology necessary to delineate exactly what is held. In the example above, therefore, incomplete holdings within v.45 are recorded through the entire hierarchy to the lowest level of enumeration; similar detail is not necessary for v.40-44, which are complete.

Record a range of issues only at the lowest level of enumeration or chronology that is recorded in the field.

Example 53: Chronology — Seasonal subdivisions

This serial is designated by one level of enumeration and two levels of chronology. In such cases compression of holdings information in the 863 fields takes place according to complete years. Chronology for this publication is given in terms of years and seasons, with the seasons entered with a separating slash.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94%]
008/22-24: eng [language code English]
853 20  |8 1 |a no. |i (year) |j (season) |w f |y ps21/22,23/24
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 32-33 |i 1983
863 41  |8 1.2 |a 34 |i 1984 |j 21/22 |w g
863 41  |8 1.3 |a 36 |i 1985 |j 21/22

When levels of chronology are not complete, record in separate 863 fields complete years, complete months, complete seasons, etc.

Example 54: Chronology — Non-astronomical seasons

A. La Communauté des chrétiens was identified at first by one level of enumeration and two levels of chronology. The chronological designations were year and liturgical season (in French). In 1969, the seasonal designation was removed and the issues were identified by year and a restarting number (from 1-4). In 1978, the title began a new series (which is coded as part of the highest level of enumeration in subfield |a of the 853 field) with continuous numbering. Also, the seasonal designation returned (liturgical seasons of the Catholic Church in France – Noel, Pâques, Saint-Jean, Saint Michel).

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94%]
008/22-24: ^^^   [language code blank]
853 00 |8 1|a no.|i (year) |j (season)
863 40 |8 1.1|a 37-48|i 1960/1961-1962/1963 |w g
863 41 |8 1.2 |a 50 |i 1964 |j Pâques |w g
853 20 |8 2 |a (year) |b no. |u 4 |v r
863 40 |8 2.1 |a 1969-1971
863 40 |8 2.2 |a 1972 |b 1-3 |w g
863 40 |8 2.3 |a 1973
863 40 |8 2.4 |a 1974 |b 1-2 |w g
863 41 |8 2.5 |a 1974 |b 4
863 40 |8 2.6 |a 1975-1976 |w g
863 40 |8 2.7 |a 1977 |b 2-4 |w g
853 00 |8 3 |a nouv.sér.:no |i (year) |j (season)
863 40 |8 3.1 |a 2-4 |i 1978 |j Pâques-Saint Michel
863 40 |8 3.2 |a 5-32 |i 1979-1985

B. Isla (Mangilao, Guam) has two levels of enumeration and two levels of chronology. The second level of chronology identifies each issue as either "Rainy Season" or "Dry Season."

Note: the word "season" used in field 853 |j as part of the chronological pattern does not display the word "season" in the public catalog because it is in parentheses, so the word must be recorded in field 863 |j as it appears on the issue.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94%]
008/22-24:^^^   [language code blank]
853 00 |8 1 |a v. |b no. |i (year) |j (season)
863 40 |8 1.1 |a 1 |i 1992
863 41 |8 1.2 |a 2 |b 1 |i 1993 |j rainy season

Example 55: Chronology — Two-week subdivisions

OJI is identified at the highest level by roman numeral volume (año) numbering and then by a second-level continuous numbering scheme. The chronological designations include year, month, and "quincena" (fortnight) as an ordinal number. The continuous numbering is encoded as second-level numbering in subfield |b of the 853/863 fields rather than as alternative numbering in |g because the first level of enumeration alone does not identify the pieces. The volume numbering is converted from roman numerals to arabic numerals.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/16: 2   [incomplete-50-94%]
008/22-24:spa   [language code Spanish]
853 20 |8 1 |a año |b no. |u 24 |v c |i (year) |j (month) |k quincena |w s |x 01
863 41 |8 1.1 |a 9 |b 340 |i 1979 |j  06 |k 2 |w g
863 41 |8 1.2 |a 9 |b 342 |i 1979 |j  06 |k 2 |w g
863 41 |8 1.3 |a 9 |b 344 |i 1979 |j  08 |k 2 |w g
863 40 |8 1.4 |a 10 |b 371-374 |i 1980 |j  09-10 |w g
863 41 |8 1.5 |a 10 |b 375 |i 1980 |j  11 |k 1 |w g
863 40 |8 1.6 |a 10 |b 377-378 |i 1980 |j  12
863 40 |8 1.7 |a 11-20 |i 1981-1991

Note: MARC 21 currently does not provide for ordinal numbers in chronology, so a plus sign is not used with "quincena."

Example 56: Limited retention

The library keeps only the latest issue of this publication. Holdings level 2 is used. Field 008 is coded to reflect a general retention policy (byte 12) of "Retained for a limited period"; a specific retention policy (bytes 13-15), indicating policy type, number of units retained, and unit type retained; and a Completeness estimation (byte 16) of "Other." A public-displaying note is used to convey the retention policy to users.

Holdings record:

LDR/06: y [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 2 [holdings level 2]
008/06: 4   [currently received]
008/12: 6   [Retained for a limited period]
008/13: l    [latest]
008/14: 1   [number of units]
008/15: i    [issue]
008/16: 0   [other completeness]
852 00 |b GUT |c REF |h L901 |i .P459 |z Latest issue only
853 10 |8 1 |a +ed. |i (year)

Note: The 853 field can be used for predicting future issues, even if there is no 863 field.

Example 57: Serial with some issues bound with another serial

In this example, a title change occurs in the middle of a bound volume of a serial. The item record for the physical volume 27-28 is attached to the earlier serial's bibliographic record, and a 977 field in the holdings record of the later serial points the bibliographic record for the earlier title. In field 977 subfield |g, the issues that are bound with the earlier title's issues are recorded. Also, it is recommended that a public note is added to the appropriate 86X field clearly describing the situation.

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: 4  [holdings level 4]
008/06: 4 [currently received]
008/16: 1 [complete]
853 10  |8 1 |a Bd. |i (year)
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 28-51 |i 1987-2016 |z Bd.28(1987) bound with Bd.27(1978) of earlier title, and shelved under the same call number.
977 0^ |t Forschungen zur deutschen Landeskunde |g Bd. 28 (1987) |f 990001055870203941

In Aleph, H77 field did not contain subfield |g, so the information about the issues to which the linking field pertained was placed at the beginning of the H77's first subfield. For example:

H77 0^ |t Bd. 28 (1987): Forschungen zur deutschen Landeskunde |f 000105587

Example 58: Current serial using 966 to reflect current issues

This technique is used for serials that are currently received. Instead of listing every volume received, one can use a summary holdings and let the patron know that we have current issues. For more detailed instructions with screen shots, see: https://harvardwiki.atlassian.net/wiki/x/UYlEAw

Holdings record:
LDR/06: y   [serial item holdings]
LDR/17: m [holdings level mixed]
008/06: 4 [currently received]
853 10  |8 1 |a (year) |w a
863 40  |8 1.1 |a 1998/2000-2001 |w g

863 40 |8 1.2 |a 2015/2017-2017/2019
966 30 |8 2 |a 2018/2020-current

Note: 966 |8 is the next whole number in sequence–no decimals used

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