Set vs. individual records for multipart print material (other than periodicals)
This policy only applies to print works that are issued in multiple volumes.
- For serials: see Serial vs monograph records for serials (other than periodicals)
- For audiovisual material: See Set vs individual records for multipart audiovisual material
Use a monographic set record for complete works in multiple volumes that are published in the same year with the same title.
- Examples: Encyclopedias and multivolume biographies where all volumes have the same title
For a multivolume set issued in a container such as a slipcase, even when the volumes are published in the same year with the same title.
- If you will be circulating the volumes in the container as one piece, attach to the record for the set.
- If you will be circulating the volumes separately, attach to the record for the individual volume.
- Example: The Lyrics: 1956 To the Present which was issued as two volumes in a slipcase
Use an individual record for separate works published in a series.
- Example: The Great Books of the Western World series—each volume has a separate title
For multivolume works on the same subject by the same author, published in different years with different titles or subtitles.
- Use individual records for each circulating volume.
- Sets that do not circulate may be attached to a monographic set record.
- Example: the biography of Winston Churchill by William Manchester. Volume 1 was published in 1983, Volume 2 in 1988, and Volume 3 in 2012. Each volume has a different title.
Keep in mind that dividing a set and circulating individual items may require the creation of a new bibliographic record.
Retrospective cataloging of existing items is highly recommended but not required.
Rev. 07-2024