Attaching to set vs individual records for multipart print material other than serials
This policy applies to print works that are issued in multiple volumes. This policy does not apply to serials (see Attaching to serial vs monograph records for serials other than periodicals) or audiovisual material (See Attaching to 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. Some examples are encyclopedias or multivolume biographies where all volumes have the same title
- In cases where a multivolume set is issued in a container such as a slipcase, even when the volumes are published in the same year with the same title, attach your holding to the set or individual record based on how your library intends to circulate the item. An example is The Lyrics: 1956 To the Present, which was issued as two volumes in a slipcase
- 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
- Use an individual record for separate works published in a series. An example is the Great Books of the Western World series—each volume has a separate title
- Use an individual record for multivolume works on the same subject by the same author, published in different years with different titles or subtitles. An example is 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
- This applies to circulating items only. Items that do not circulate may be attached to a monographic set record if desired
- Retrospective cataloging of existing items is recommended, but not required
- Keep in mind that circulating items separately or in groups may require creation of a new record
Rev. 5-2022