⮚Publication (260/264)
Many eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century newspapers identify only a printer, editor, proprietor, or owner. In the absence of a corporate publisher, transcribe the person’s name(s) in field 264 #1, subfield $b, with proprietors and owners taking precedence over printers and editors. (CCM: 33.9)
Many twentieth century newspapers identify both an individual and a corporation as the publishers. Generally transcribe the corporate body as the publisher’s name in field 264 #1, subfield $b. If there is a hierarchy of corporate bodies listed as publishers on the piece, transcribe the full hierarchy. (CCM: 33.9)
In all cases, if no publisher is clearly stated, record the name of the newspaper itself as the publisher. If only a printer is listed that is clearly not the publisher, record the newspaper itself as the publisher and, if useful for access, transcribe the printer in 264 #3 $b. (CCM: 33.9)
⮚Physical description (300)
⮚Frequency (310/321)
For newspapers, CONSER instructs the cataloger to always include the current frequency of a newspaper in field 310, even if it is evident from the title statement (field 245) (RDA 2.14). This differs from other type of serials where frequency may be omitted if unable to ascertain. A newspaper’s frequency is most often found in the publisher's statement or in the masthead. (CCM: 33.11)
“Frequency varies” may be used in field 321, as instructed in RDA 2.20.12.4, but USNP records should, if feasible, contain all former frequencies.
Freq: w
Regl: r
310 ## $a Weekly, $b June 1886-<1887>
321 ## $a Frequency varies, $b 1881-May 1886
“Normalized irregular” frequency is one in which the publication intentionally and regularly deviates from a standard pattern, which is common with newspapers. Follow the practice as prescribed in CCM 13.3.3. For example, an issue may include the statement “issued every evening except Sunday.”
Freq: d
Regl: n
310 ## $a Daily (except Sunday)
Other examples of normalized irregular frequencies for newspapers include:
310 ## $a Three times a week (Daily during sessions of the legislature)
310 ## $a Weekly (except last week in Dec.)
310 ## $a Daily (except Sunday and holidays)