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2.9. Use of Single Bib Record for Books

Books with the exact same content and in the same format should be combined on the same bibliographic record, even if non-content features such as binding, publisher, shape, size, and pagination differs. The intention is for the NC Cardinal catalog to be as patron friendly as possible to simplify searching, even in cases where official cataloging rules might recommend creating multiple separate records.

Do use a single bibliographic record for books when content is exactly the same to combine:

Do NOT use a single bib record for books when the items differ from one another in the following ways:

• Editions with different content (e.g. Special edition with extra content vs. no edition statement, First edition vs. revised editions with updated content)*
• Different print sizes (i.e. Large print/Larger print vs. regular print)
  • Note: Large print and regular print materials are always cataloged on separate bibliographic records.
  • Follow the specific format recommendations in the NC Cardinal MARC Record Templates, when applicable.
• Classics that include a special foreword or analysis vs. Classics without this additional material
• Illustrated editions vs. text-only editions
• Different illustrator or translator
• Different format (e.g. E-book vs print material)

In these scenarios, a separate bib record is required.

*Different editions only require separate bibliographic records if you can clearly identify different content, as when nonfiction materials are updated/revised. In most cases, fiction "editions" that only signify different printings of the same content (1st printing vs 10th printing) do not require separate bibliographic records unless there are clear revisions. Revised fiction editions do occur, in classic literature for example, where there may be different translations, scholarly footnotes or forewords, etc., which would constitute different content and require separate bibliographic records.