• Vendor-neutral / provider-neutral /aggregator-neutral record means a catalog record representing the online version, and contains information applicable to all versions being distributed by all providers; In other words, it is a catalog record representing all versions of a resource made available by multiple online providers.

What to look for?

• The provider-neutral record does not contain information specific to any one particular provider, with the exception of citing the package and format upon which the record was based (588 source of description note should state the version consulted for the description).
• Provider names are not added to uniform titles as qualifiers, given as name headings or mentioned in issuing body notes. ***So, uniform title with a provider name may be a sign of non-vendor-neutral record!
• Notes about access restrictions, format, or system requirements specific to particular providers also are not given.
• The 506 (access restriction) note MAY BE found on a neutral record due to who was cataloging it.

URLs on record

• URLs on the record do NOT determine whether a record is vendor neutral.
• Neutral records can have multiple URLs for multiple providers and none may work for us.
• We usually never use the URLs on the OCLC record, and instead use the URLs provided by ACQ for our subscriptions or by collection managers requesting free resources.

Further information:
FAQ about aggregator-neutral record for e-serials on CONSER