Cataloging Chinese and Japanese Multi-Volume Sets
Chinese and Japanese sets with a single series title sometimes include subsets that have additional volume numbers relevant only to the subset. For example, the Japanese series with the title “Nihon meiseki sokan” contains several subsets.One subset, entitled “Suminagashi-bon Wa-Kan roeishu”, has two volumes, volumes 14 and 15 of the series, “Nihon meiseki sokan”.
In the past, volumes were cataloged by the individual subset title (e.g. Suminagashi-bon Wa-Kan roeishu) rather than by the series title, and the item record contained the volume number taken from the 300 field rather than the series volume number. The call number, however, was assigned based on the series title (e.g., Nihon meiseki sokan), and each volume was classified based on its volume number as it related to the series. The volume number of the series was added to the call number in the bibliographic record in the 090 field. As a result, the volume number as it appeared in the call number (e.g., ND1457 J33 N49 v. 14-15) was different from the volume number as it appeared in the item record (e.g., v. 1), which in turn was different from the volume number as it appeared on the spine label (e.g., v. 14). This system was confusing, creating problems for those cataloging, labeling, and trying to locate the books.
To avoid this problem, there are three options for cataloging such materials.
- Cataloging a multi-volume set as an analyzed serial
Create a full bibliographic “container body record,” for the whole set with the title of the series appearing as the title of the set. Next, create bibliographic records for individual subset titles with item records for each volume of the subset attached. Link the individual subtitle records to the container body record, which should then display the item records for each volume of the series. In the example used above, this subset “Suminagashi-bon Wa-Kan roeishu” is reflected in a single record linked to the series or “container body” record with the title entry “Nihon meiseki sokan”. The call number used on all records will be the base call number (e.g., ND1457 J33 N49)
- Cataloging each volume of the set individually (cat-as-mono)
Catalog each volume of the set individually, whether it is part of a subset or not. For instance, if a subset (e.g., Suminagashi-bon Wa-Kan roeishu) contains three volumes with sequential series numbers (e.g., v.40-42), this would be reflected by three bibliographic records (e.g., title. $n v. 1, title. $n v. 2, title $n. v. 3). Put the series title (e.g., Nihon meiseki sokan) and volume number in the 4xx field. The call number of each record should include the series volume number (e.g., ND1457 J33 N49 v. 40). Because no record representing the entire set is created using this option, no links are necessary.
- Cataloging the set as a set
Create only a full bibliographic record for the whole set with the title of the series appearing as the title of the set. Attach each series volume as an item record. The call number in this case doesn’t include the series volume number (e.g., ND1457 J33 N49 2000), but the record will require a table of contents note for individual subset titles. Because only one record is created using this option, individual records and links are not needed.
The choice of method depends on the series itself. In cases of uncertainty, consult with the appropriate bibliographer. Regardless of the method used, the volume numbers as listed in the item record, in the call number, and on the spine label should all match. These procedures were created on April 25, 2001 and will be modified whenever it is necessary.
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