Serial Set analytics have now been loaded into MNCAT from the earliest MARC records available - documents cataloged in 1976. The total load is over 26,000 catalog records. BGI staff members must be able to interpret these records correctly, since it may be years before we have the staff to add the Serial Set numbers to all of them. Since the 96th Congress, 1979-80 (Serial Set volume 13220), GPL has received microfiche in addition to paper for each House and Senate document and report. Earlier than that, we have the bound paper volumes only.
Because the catalog records are created when the publications are first released as separates, the records DO NOT HAVE THE SERIAL SET VOLUME. The records will list the original call number for the microfiche, since that is how those are filed. For the paper, the record will simply say Serial Set (with the MNCAT location U.S. Congress Serials and the SuDoc for the Serial Set.) It will be up to BGI staff to help users find the SS number. These numbers DO NOT APPEAR IN LEXISNEXIS. You need to use the paper indexes on Row G. It is very easy, but only after you know where to look!!!
We will go back and add Serial Set numbers as soon as possible, but do not hold your breath. Clarice and company will get the 106th Congress finished up soon, since those are the ones currently being processed. They will then proceed backwards, but will also jump around to fix scattered ones which already were in MNCAT for one reason or another. From now on, processing of new volumes will include the number.
I will paste here an example. If you want help finding more of these to look at, check with Julie or Clarice.
Title History of the Committee on Finance, United States Senate.
Edition [4th ed.]
Published Washington : U.S. G.P.O., 1981.
Description ix, 138 p. : ill., ports ; 24 cm.
Series Senate document (United States. Congress (97th, 1st session : 1981). Senate) ; no. 97-5.
Availability TC Wilson Library Gov Pub (US Congress Serials) Y 1.1/2:Serial set
Availability TC Wilson Library Gov Pub (US Microfiche) Mfiche Y 1.1/3:97-5 Non-Circulating
This is the result of major programming on the part of LEO, and we thank them. We need to have a party and invite they! Please be sure you can find these documents easily.
Julie
I have added an FAQ to explain how to find SS volumes. It is open to staff and public. Take a look, please - just type serial set in the Library FAQ. I hope people at IRIS will look at it!
Julie
Posted by: Julie at July 29, 2005 01:23 PMRemember that you find the Congress number and the report/document number in the series notes on the full catalog record.
Posted by: Julie at August 12, 2005 03:02 PMThe title to look in Row G is called United States Congressional Serial Set Catalog GP 3.34. It is the checklist and reports can be looked up by titles, committees, subjects, etc.
Posted by: Van at October 22, 2007 12:35 PM