Serials services and records unit: Genealogy and general information

Abstract

In the beginning there was the Documents Checklist, which became the Continuations Checklist, which became the Check List, which begat the prodigal Current Check List, which became the Visible File and part of the Check List again, in plenty of time to see the Check List officially become the Central Serials Record, which now is incorporating the Current Serials Service, formerly the Periodical Reading Room and more formerly, the Gold Star Collection. Now, Serials Services and Records embraces them all. Whatever you call it, the Check List is a main entry file containing all there is to know about serials holdings and acquisitions for the entire University Library system. If we keep it, discard it, or send it uncataloged, it's in the Check List. How we got it or how we get it (exchange, gift, standing order or separate order) is on the holding cards. There are order slips for new orders, and sometimes for awfully old ones. All this information is available if you understand how to use the Check List. In the past, the Check List has contained current recordings for everything except quarterly and more frequently received periodicals. In the future, the only regularly received serials that will .be recorded in the Check List are bound volumes; monographic titles that are analyzed or classed separately; and most multiple series. Everything else that is regularly received (including microfilm) will be in the Kardex (or Visible File), whichever we decide to call it.