Information:
The 321 - Former Publications Frequency tag contains
the earlier publication frequencies of a serial when
the frequency has changed. This information is useful
to the librarian and to the library user. Information
about past frequencies will help the library user who
may want to know how often the serial came out during
a certain period. The information helps the librarian
in assessing whether the library has received all the
issues for a particular year.
The Anglo American Cataloging Rules (AACR2)
discusses how to record the frequency of a serial and
how to make notes on changes in frequency in rule
12.7B1.
RDA instructs on making notes on changes in frequency
in 2.14.1.4 and 2.17.12.4. Frequencies and their
respective dates should be entered in chronological
order. If the changes have been numerous, a general
note such as "Frequency varies" should be entered.
When the frequency of a serial changes, the current
frequency is entered into the 310 tag. The former
frequency is moved from the 310 tag to a new 321 tag.
Add a new 321 tag for each change in frequency.
Subfield a contains the statement of the former
publication frequency. When the frequency varies in a
predictable way add this information in parentheses
following the former publication frequency. Subfield b
contains the dates the former frequency began and
ended.
Indicators
First Undefined
blank Undefined
Second Undefined
blank Undefined
Subfields
a Former publication frequency (NR)
b Dates of former publication frequency (NR)
Punctuation
Subfield b is preceded by a comma.
The tag does not end with a mark of punctuation unless
the last word is an abbreviation, initial/letter, or
other data that ends with a mark of punctuation.
Examples:
310 _aDaily (except Monday),
_bMay 1917-
321 _aEvery other day,
_bMar. 1916-May 1917
321 _aThree times a week,
_bDec. 1915-Mar. 1916
310 _aMonthly,
_b1920-1929
321 _aQuarterly,
_b1915-1919
310 _aBiweekly,
_bMay 11, 1937-Oct. 19, 1971
321 _aMonthly,
_bJan.-May 1937
310 _aMonthly,
_bSept. 1903-May 1913
321 _aWeekly,
_bJan. 1902-July 1903
A serial that has changed frequency many times.
310 _aBimonthly,
_bNov./Dec. 1991-
321 _aFrequency varies |
