Listed below are the most frequently used frequency codes used by Library Technical Services serials receiving staff. A complete list can be found at MARC 21 Concise Format for Bibliographic Data, 008 field.
Contact: Elizabeth Perenyi
Unit: Serials Management
Date last reviewed: 04/30/08
Date of next review: April 2009
008 Fixed Fields
Frequency and Regularity Codes
Explanatory Notes
Regular
Normalized Irregular
Completely Irregular
Unknown
Cumulations
Frequency changes
008 Fixed Fields (General Description)
The frequency and regularity codes indicate conditions for the current frequency and the intended regularity of issuance. This is based on information given in variable field 310, current frequency.
Frequency and Regularity Codes:
Frequency Codes
_ No determinable frequency (irregular)
a Annual
b Bimonthly (every two months) Includes 6, 7 or 8 numbers a year
c Semiweekly (twice a week)
d Daily
e Biweekly (every two weeks)
f Semiannual (twice a year) Includes 2 numbers a year
g Biennial (every two years)
h Triennial (every three years)
i Three times a week
j Three times a month
k Continuously updated
m Monthly. Includes 9, 10, 11, or 12 numbers a year
q Quarterly
s Semimonthly (twice a month)
t Three times a year
u Unknown
w Weekly
z Other frequencies
Regularity Codes
r Regular
n Normalized irregular (Predictable irregularity pattern)
x Completely irregular
u Unknown
Note: When Frequency Code is input, Regularity Code must also be input.
Explanatory Notes:
Regularity Codes
r Regular
Use “r” when the frequency code accurately defines the current frequency of the publication.
Example:
310: : |a Monthly
Frequency: m
Regularity: r
310: : |a Quinquennial
Frequency: z
Regularity: r
Use code “r” when the publisher intends to issue the serial on a regular basis. This may be determined from information in the piece or by examining the publishing pattern. Thus, if a serial states that it is to be issued bimonthly, the regularity is coded as “r” even though the publishing pattern is known to have occasional variations due to publishing difficulties. This inconsistency may be expressed in a 515 note.
Example:
310: : |a Bimonthly
515: : |a Some issues not published.
Frequency: b
Regularity: r
n Normalized Irregular
Use regularity code “n” when the publishing pattern intentionally deviates from a standard pattern, or when field 310 specifies a cumulation or supplement regularly included with the individual issues. Example:
310: : |a Monthly (except July and Aug.)
Frequency: m
Regularity: n
310: : |a Monthly (Nov.-Dec. issue combined)
Frequency: m
Regularity: n
310: : |a Annual, with semiannual supplement
Frequency: a
Regularity: n
x Completely Irregular Use code “x” when the frequency is known to be intentionally irregular, and the frequency element is coded as “[blank]. ”
Example:
310: : |a Irregular
Frequency: [blank]
Regularity: x
There are instances when the frequency codes as listed above do not accurately reflect the frequency as given in field 310, for example when the frequency is expressed in numbers per year (e.g., 5 no. per year). In these cases use the closest applicable frequency according to the following chart, and code the regularity as “x.”
Supplemental Frequency Codes
f Two no. a year
q Four no. a year
q Five no. a year
b Six no. a year
b Seven no. a year
b Eight no. a year
m Nine no. a year
m Ten no. a year
m Eleven no. a year
m Twelve no. a year
Example:
310: : |a Five no. a year
Frequency: q
Regularity: x
310: : |a Eight no. a year
Frequency: b
Regularity: x
u Unknown: When the current frequency is totally unknown, both the frequency and regularity elements are coded as “u.” These codes must always be used together. Neither can be used with any other code.
Example:
310: : [Blank]
Frequency: u
Regularity: u
Cumulations
If a serial is issued according to one frequency but cumulates to another, code the frequency and regularity and disregard the cumulation.
Example:
310: : |a Bimonthly, with the last issue being cumulative for the year
Frequency: b
Regularity: r
When cumulation is the last regularly issued number of the volume or year, code regularity as “r.”
Example:
310: : |a Monthly, with no. 12 constituting the annual cumulation
Frequency: m
Regularity: r
When cumulation is issued as an added issue in addition to the number specified by the frequency, code as “n.”
Example:
310: : |a Monthly, with an annual cumulation
Frequency: m
Regularity: n
Frequency Changes
When frequency changes: - change frequency code in fixed field (008) to current frequency
- change 310 (current frequency field) to 321 (former frequency field)
- add or complete |b (dates of former frequency) and add a new 310 field
Note:
Do not input a period at the end of any 3xx field. When more than one 321 field is given, input them in chronological order (earliest to latest).
When the year of frequency change cannot be substantiated, input year in field 310 inside angle brackets.
Example:
310: : Quarterly, |b 1999-
321: : Monthly, |b 1945-1963
321: : Bimonthly, |b 1964-1998
310: : Semiannual, |b <1999->
321: : Monthly, |b 1955-
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