This document outlines SEO policies for finding matching bibliographic records in the SEO catalog. For one-page summaries by format, visit the Knowledge Library on the SEO support site.
Searching the SEO Catalog
A GENERAL KEYWORD search is the recommended method. BROWSE searching is not recommended because items in non-circulating statuses can negatively affect search accuracy.
Finding Matching Records: Books
Not all titles require new records. For example, paperback and hardback versions with identical content share a record. Regular print and "larger" print also share a record, but LARGE PRINT is considered a separate format.
Content that MUST match for Books:
- Author(s): MARC fields 100, 700
- Title: MARC field 245
- Subtitle: MARC field 245 $b (Note: Ignore "a novel")
- Illustrator(s): MARC fields 245 $c, 700
- Edition statements (Content-related): MARC field 250 (e.g., 2nd ed, revised)
Content that is NOT required to match:
- ISBN/UPC (020, 024, 028)
- Edition statements (Non-content): e.g., Book Club ed.
- Publisher/Printer (264 $b) and Publication Date (264 $c)
Ongoing Publications
This includes travel guides and annual directories where the year is often part of the title. Older editions should generally be discarded as info becomes outdated quickly.
- Must Match: Title/Subject matter, Producer (Fodor’s, Lonely Planet), and the specific Year described.
Audiobooks
Manufacturer and number of discs are not matching factors as long as the reader and content match.
- Must Match: Author, Title, Readers/Narrators (511, 700), and Abridged/Unabridged status (250).
Music and Radio Show Recordings
- Must Match: Performer/Group (100, 110, 700, 710), Title, and Song titles or specific contents (505, 500).
Videorecordings
- Must Match: Title, Director/Producer (245 $c, 508, 700), Actor/Performer (511, 700), and Language/Subtitle tracks (546).
Electronic Resources
System requirements (e.g., Xbox 360 vs. Xbox One) are critical match points for video games and software.
- Must Match: Title and System Requirements (250, 538).
Other Formats and Kits
Includes multi-format kits (3+ formats) and physical objects like cake pans.
- Must Match: Title, Author, Contents Note (500, 505), and Participants/Narrators (511).