The Periodicals Section is responsible for receiving, recording, processing and delivering current issues of over 8,000 periodicals in all formats and languages subscribed to by the General Libraries, Music and Poetry. In March 1992 responsibility for processing current U.S. and Canadian Depository Document periodicals was added, and New York State periodicals were added in March 1997. In March 1996, responsibility for receiving serials for the General Libraries was assumed. Maintenance for electronic journals on the Libraries web page was added in November 1996.

   Receipt and holdings data are constructed according to the national standards established by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) and the MARC Holdings Format. This information is accessible to the public and other library staff through the online catalog, and facilitates patron access to material in the serials format. It is critical that BISON indicate the correct holdings, current receipts, and location of all periodicals and serials in the General Libraries.

   Incoming material is expected to be accurately processed within 24 hours of receipt, with any problems or discrepancies noted and acted upon promptly. Skipped or overdue issues are to be claimed according to established guidelines. Other receipt or payment-related problems are to be identified for further review. Regular review and follow up for problem titles is also expected.

   Another important function of the section is the processing of incoming and outgoing bindery shipments. Materials must be gathered at an appropriate time to achieve a bindable unit. Volumes must be examined for completeness, and indexes and supplements added as required. Missing issues need to be correctly identified and replacements requested after several unsuccessful searches are conducted for the missing material. Volumes going to the outside bindery must be of the proper thickness, in the correct order, and any instructions clearly communicated on the binding ticket. BISON is used to track outgoing and incomplete volumes to assist staff in locating this material.

   Electronic journals are becoming increasingly more important aspects of a library's collection. The University Libraries has developed of policy of incorporating the cataloging, access, and holdings maintenance into the existing serials control routines.

   The Periodicals Section staff are responsible for adding new titles to the electronic journals region, reviewing and verifying links and holdings information on a bimonthly basis. The same holdings standards and other section policies for serials control are to be applied to electronic material.

   Proper bibliographic identification of title changes is important too. New orders must be correctly processed to alert users to the availability of issues. Other record changes involve noting cancellations and cessations, or other status adjustments.

   The Section is happy to respond to queries from staff in other library units or elsewhere in CTS.