Chapter 17. Cataloguing Graphic Novels and Comics
Note
Before proceeding with this section, please ensure that you are familiar with Editing MARC Records,
as well as using the Enhanced MARC Editor and the Flat Text Editor. If you are looking
for general information about cataloguing series, see Cataloguing Series in Sitka’s Evergreen.
For more detailed instructions related to the MARC codes listed below, visit the MARC 21
website: https://www.loc.gov/marc/bibliographic/
Although the title page of a graphic novel might appear very similar to that of a regular book, it is
important to be aware of the differences in how the MARC record should be formulated in order
to maintain consistency and improve catalogue search results.
These guidelines are intended to direct cataloguers to the best strategy for cataloguing within Sitka’s
Evergreen. Some of the instructions might deviate from other cataloguing guides.
The following guidelines should be used for comics, graphic novels, and manga, in physical
and digital formats. In these guidelines, we use the term "comics" as a blanket term for all of these formats.
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Comics often have more contributors than other types of materials.
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Comics that are part of series can have more complex titles that incorporate collective title, volume title,
and series numbering
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Comics might be standalone or continuing titles (including manga and serialized comics)
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Comics readers might be looking for the works of specific artists, or titles about certain characters,
or the next volume in a continuing storyline
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Graphic novels can be adaptations of other works, which in turn informs the way that information
is recorded in the MARC record.
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It is good practice to catalogue each issue in a comics series on separate bibliographic records.
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Although series title and series numbering are recorded in the MARC 245 field of a comic, the cataloguer
should also include series statements in the 490/8xx fields so that the series is linked and browsable.
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It is recommended that the cataloguer use $e relator terms to record the role of the creators listed
for all 1xx and 7xx fields.
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On resources that do not have a traditional title page or verso, look for the indicia: a short paragraph
of text usually found at the bottom of one of the first pages that will usually include title and publication
information. Outside resources, including websites, can also be consulted.
