How do you solve a cataloging problem like The Vista?

Abstract

This presentation introduces complex serials cataloging through the experience of re-cataloging The Vista, the school newspaper of the University of Central Oklahoma. Since its inception in 1903, The Vista experienced a couple dozen frequency changes, suffered six university name changes, was christened with different aliases for some summer issues, all of which that not only make serials cataloging rightfully earn its difficult reputation but also were left for the present catalogers to handle by our predecessors from decades before. Accurately capturing a serial's bibliographic eccentricities is essential for making the information within discoverable, whether directly by a patron or by colleagues in ILL and Public Services. This session will cover creating new bibliographic records for serials, connecting related records, sub-series, frequency changes, publisher name changes, and resources for standardized holdings description.