Rethinking National Policy for Cataloging Microform Reproductions

Current national cataloging policy requires the creation of unique cataloging records for an original publication and each of its microfilm reproductions. Such redundant entries are difficult to decipher and expensive to produce and maintain. The case of serial publications is most urgent, especially due to the proliferation of preservation microfilming efforts and union list projects. The master record concept used in the United States Newspaper Project offers a viable alternative method. Librarians should lobby to have the single record approach adopted as national policy.