Series Records - Going Beyond the Titles

by Beth Snow

A big consideration when it comes to cataloging and subject headings will be the ability to locate titles in a series.

I'm not refering to actual serials publications such as the DC/Marvel/Cartoon Network subscriptions--Justice League/Fantastic Four/Cartoon Block Party, et al--but to those works with a continuing storyline and actually published in a series of individual volumes that may look like independent editions to the uninitiated. Manga usually falls into this category:

Unlike fiction which may use a separate, distinct title for each book in a series, manga is distinguished by a number; thus, our patrons will be looking for a series title with a number listing--Fruits Basket 14, Bleach 2, etc. Teens will expect to search for a title, examine a list, and choose the volume they want.

To support access and service to patrons, I believe we should include a series search function: have a title search pull up a series name with a list of volumes in numerical order, have a series line in each record listing the name of series and volume number, have a cross-reference link to a spin-off series (Peach Girl, Peach Girl Change of Heart, Peach Girl Sae's Story, etc.). Because the stories in manga series build upon each other--much like soap operas--a series designation in the record is key help for enjoying the format.