Preferred Sources of Information

As with any serial resource, use the earliest issue available as the basis for description. Because numeric designations are used in newspapers, when there is a conflict, use the chronological designation to determine the earliest issue.

For newspapers, the preferred source of information is the masthead of the first or earliest issue available. The source of the bibliographic description is the newspaper itself. The areas of the newspaper most often consulted are the masthead and the publisher's statement. (CCM: 33.3.2)

⮚The masthead includes the newspaper title statement found on the first, or front page. The masthead may also be called the nameplate, flag, or banner. In addition to naming the newspaper, the masthead may also state the edition, place of publication, designation, day of publication, the newspaper's motto or philosophy, and the price. If the newspaper lacks a masthead, take the title from any source within the issue. Always note the source of title as part of the first 588 field. (CCM: 33.3.2)

⮚The publisher's statement can include the title, edition, place of publication, publisher, editor, designation, frequency, the newspaper's motto or philosophy, price, and address. The publisher's statement may consist of one area, usually enclosed within a lined block or box (called “publisher's block”) that includes the above information. The publisher's statement may alternatively be comprised of two areas: a publisher's block, which identifies the publisher; and a subscription block, which provides subscription information, addresses, and frequency. Unlike the masthead, the publisher's block may appear anywhere in the newspaper. (CCM: 33.3.2)

If no part of the earliest issue of the newspaper supplies data that can be used as the basis of the description, take the necessary information from any available source. Provide a note with both the reason for and the source of the supplied data. (CCM: 33.3.2)