Back to the future of AACR: retooling former cataloging practices to solve problems old and new

Abstract New forms of publication have called into question AACR2’s current division of the type of publication into monographs and serials. This paper analyzes the recommendations in the April 1999 report to the Joint Steering Committee (JSC) on AACR, “Revising AACR2 to Accommodate Seriality.” The JSC report presents a new type of publication model, which recognizes elements of seriality in resources that do not meet the current AACR2 definition of serial. Recommendations in the JSC report attempt to provide rules for the cataloging of new forms of materials as well as solutions to other current cataloging problems. Some of these solutions are based on incorporating and adapting the best of former rules and practices. Anticipated benefits of the rule revision include harmonization of AACR2 with international standards, reduction of needless title changes, and a more holistic approach to serials cataloging.