# serials cataloging

> cataloging of serial publications

**Wikidata**: [Q104527784](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104527784)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/serials-cataloging

## Summary
Serials cataloging is the practice of cataloging serial publications. It is the subset of cataloging work that deals specifically with serials and is part of the field of serials librarianship.

## Key Facts
- Serials cataloging is defined as the cataloging of serial publications.  
- It is a subclass of cataloging with the qualifier "serial."  
- Serials cataloging is part of the field "serials librarianship."  
- The role that practices serials cataloging is called a "serials cataloger."  
- Common aliases include: serials cataloguing; cataloging/cataloguing of serial publications; cataloging/cataloguing of serials; cataloging/cataloguing of periodicals; periodicals cataloging/cataloguing; catalogage de périodiques.  
- Fast ID: 848808.  
- Yale LUX ID: concept/ef5a85db-ee12-4db5-9c43-79979c2996c2.  
- Wikidata description: "cataloging of serial publications."  
- Library of Congress Authority ID: sh85020886 (with labels including "Cataloging of serial publications," "Cataloging of periodicals," "Cataloging of serials," and "Serials cataloging").  
- Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 119453748 (with authorized form "Publications en série -- Catalogage" and variant labels such as "Catalogage -- Publications en série" and "Catalogage de périodiques").  
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007284863205171 (reference: Q106509962).

## FAQs
### Q: What is serials cataloging?
A: Serials cataloging is the cataloging activity that specifically covers serial publications. It is the part of cataloging practice that is focused on serials and falls within serials librarianship.

### Q: Who performs serials cataloging?
A: Serials cataloging is practiced by a serials cataloger.

### Q: Is "periodicals cataloging" the same as serials cataloging?
A: Yes. "Periodicals cataloging" and other variants (for example, "cataloging of periodicals") are listed aliases for serials cataloging.

## Why It Matters
Serials cataloging identifies and classifies serial publications within the broader practice of cataloging and the professional domain of serials librarianship. By existing as a defined subclass of cataloging, it signals that serial publications are treated as a distinct category within library metadata and authority systems. This distinction is reflected in library authorities and national bibliographic agencies through dedicated identifiers and variant labels (for example, Library of Congress, BnF, and the National Library of Israel). Because serials often have ongoing, changing bibliographic characteristics, having a named practice and designated practitioners (serials catalogers) clarifies responsibilities and terminology across libraries and cataloging communities. The multiple aliases and language variants demonstrate its recognized scope in international cataloging vocabularies.

## Notable For
- Being explicitly classified as a subclass of cataloging with the qualifier "serial."  
- Being a named area within serials librarianship and practiced by specialists called "serials catalogers."  
- Having multiple authoritative identifiers across national bibliographic agencies (Library of Congress sh85020886; BnF 119453748; National Library of Israel J9U 987007284863205171).  
- Being known under many synonyms and language variants (including "periodicals cataloging" and French "catalogage de périodiques").

## Body

### Definition
- Serials cataloging = cataloging of serial publications.  
- It is described in authority sources as the activity or concept of cataloging serials.

### Classification and Parent Fields
- Subclass of: cataloging (qualifier: serial).  
- Part of/Parent class: serials librarianship (field of librarianship).

### Practitioners
- Practiced by: serials cataloger.

### Aliases and Language Variants
- English aliases: serials cataloguing; cataloging of serial publications; cataloging of serials; cataloguing of serial publications; cataloguing of serials; cataloging of periodicals; cataloguing of periodicals; periodicals cataloging; periodicals cataloguing.  
- French alias: catalogage de périodiques.  
- BnF authorized form: "Publications en série -- Catalogage"; BnF variants include "Catalogage -- Publications en série", "Catalogage de périodiques", "Catalogage des périodiques", "Périodiques -- Catalogage".

### Authority Records and Identifiers
- Fast ID: 848808.  
- Yale LUX ID: concept/ef5a85db-ee12-4db5-9c43-79979c2996c2.  
- Wikidata description: "cataloging of serial publications."  
- Library of Congress Name Authority: sh85020886 (labels: "Cataloging of serial publications"; variants: "Cataloging of periodicals", "Cataloging of serials", "Serials cataloging").  
- Bibliothèque nationale de France ID: 119453748 (authorized form and variants as noted above).  
- National Library of Israel J9U ID: 987007284863205171 (with reference Q106509962).

### Usage in Library Vocabularies
- Represented consistently across national bibliographic authorities with equivalent and variant labels, demonstrating recognition as a distinct cataloging concept within bibliographic and authority control systems.

## References

1. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File