A remote access electronic serial is a continuing resource that is accessed “via computer networks.” Like print serials, an electronic serial is issued in a succession of discrete parts usually bearing numbering, and has no predetermined conclusion (RDA). This is in contrast to a direct access electronic resource which is issued on a physical carrier such as CD-ROM, diskette or USB flash drive.
New "digitally born" electronic journals that do not have print counterparts,
Electronic journals with print manifestations (which may or may not be identical to the electronic),
Scanned journals which are archive copies of print journals (such as the journals in the JSTOR project),
Journals for which overlapping issues are available in print and online versions.
Other physical formats
Some electronic journals will be available in other formats which we may or may not own. For most situations, each format will have its own catalog record, even if the title is the same, with appropriate linking notes and entries.
Major/minor changes
The current CONSER policy of creating a new record for a major change will be followed. Follow the current rules even if a corresponding print title follows older rules for title changes. There are special title change problems for electronic serials, because issues may or may not continue to exist under the old title.
Provider neutral
In 2003, CONSER changed its policy on record creation for titles offered in multiple provider packages and developed the concept of theprovider-neutral record. Guidelines for creating provider-neutral records are intended to be applicable to creating a record for any e-serial, including those that don't have a print equivalent and free serials that aren't part of a commercial aggregation (e.g., government documents) (CONSER 31.1). See the PCC provider neutral record guidelines for guidance.
Source of description
RDA2.2.2.2states that for a resource consisting of one or more pages, leaves, sheets, or cards (or imagines of one or more pages, leaves, sheets, or card), use thetitle page, title sheet, or title card as the preferred source. If the resource lacks a title page, title sheet, or title card (or an image of it), use as the preferred source of information, the first of the following sources that has a title: a) a cover or jacket issued with the resource (or an image of a cover or jacket), b) a caption (or an image of a caption), c) amasthead(or an image of a masthead), d) acolophon(or an image of a colophon).
In the case of online serials, therefore, follow this order when considering the preferred source of information:
The image of an issue title page, cover, caption or colophon
Any textual source associated with the lowest numbered issue (e.g., HTML or PDF table of contents, PDF article running titles, web page for lowest numbered issue)
Any embedded metadata associated with the lowest numbered issue (e.g, HTML header title for an issue)
Other textual sources within the resource (e.g., journal home pages)
Any other embedded metadata (e.g., journal home page HTML header title)
Any other sources external to the resource (e.g., navigational menu bars, screens, links pointing to the online serial)
Give the valid ISSN of the electronic in $a ; give the ISSN of the print in $y . If the cataloger has access to the ISSN portal, give the linking ISSN in a $l
If using RDA rules, add $e rda. Description should be provider neutral add $e pn
049
QEMP (paid internet resource) QEMO (free internet resource)
050/090
LC call number may be used or added, but is not required. Add resource word "Online" after the call number (but do not add to the OCLC master record). Example: 090 HT539 |b .A34 Online
130/240
Make additions to access points for works to distinguish them from different works with the same or similar authorized access points (AAPs). Under RDA, the conflict includes all other works and not just conflicts with other serial AAPs. A qualifier to distinguish between identical online and print manifestations of the same serial should NOT be given. Do NOT use the name of the provider as a qualifier in the preferred title.
As much as is possible, CONSER guidelines will be followed. See especially CONSER Cataloging Manual Module 31 - Remote access electronic serials (online serials)