Source of Numbering Information

The numbering may or may not appear on the same source as the title proper. In many periodicals, part of the numbering appears on the cover while the full designation appears only on the editorial page or in the masthead.  Per CONSER (in accordance with RDA), the source for determining the numbering for a serial is enumerated below in order of preference. (CCM:8.3.1a)

The preference is a source with the most complete presentation of the numbering (any sequence of sequence of numerals, letters, and/or dates) provided it appears prominently or is stated formally. “Most complete” does not necessarily mean that the components of the numbering are spelled out, only that they are present. (CCM:8.3.1b) Completeness is desirable because it simplifies the (588) Description based on note.  

⮚Numbering from another source not prominent or a statement that is not formal:

CONSER practice is to record a designation from an informal statement, such as a statement found in the preface, if there is no other number or date that can serve as a designation and the publication is definitely a serial. If the choice is between type of date versus prominence, in most cases, prefer prominence. Prefer a coverage date found in the preface, however, to a copyright date.

⮚No date or number prominently stated:

Preface has: This is our first annual report covering the period January-December 1990.

Record as:

362 1# $a Began with: January/December 1990.

588 0# $a January/December 1990; title from title page.

588 1# $a January/December 1990.

⮚On verso of title page:

c1991; Introduction has: The FY90 annual report covers the period March 1989 to February 1990.

Record as:

362 1# $a Began with FY90.

588 0# $a FY90; title from title page.

588 1# $a FY90

⮚Piecing together different sources:

The numeric designation may be pieced together from various sources when it is clear that the publisher intended both parts to constitute the numeric designation. When this is not clear, do not piece together the numeric designation from more than one source. (CCM:8.3.1d)

Volume 1" appears on the cover and "issue 1" appears on the editorial page. Is "issue 1" another way of saying "volume 1" or is it a part of the volume (i.e., vol. 1, issue 1)? If a later issue is also in hand showing volume 1, issue 2, then the publisher's intent is clear and both may be transcribed as the numeric designation. (ex. CCM:8.3.1d)