Cataloging Policy and Procedure Manual

The Use of Uniform Titles

Introduction
These guidelines provide a consistent policy for the use and formulation of uniform titles. A uniform title is the title proper used to collocate original works, their subsequent editions, other manisfestations, and related works.

In some cases the variant titles are the result of translation into another language. In other cases, especially for older and anonymous works, there may be multiple forms in the original language. Another reason for using a uniform title is when a work is better known by a title other than its title proper (e.g. because of introductory words or a statement of responsibility within the title). The uniform title also is used to differentiate bewtween two works that bear the same title proper or two versions of the same work.

Uniform titles are created by catalog ers in accordance with AACR2r until the release of RDA upon which revisions to this policy may occur.

Formulation of Uniform Titles
 Use the original release or broadcast title in the country of origin as the uniform title. For works produced simultaneously in multiple languages, use the title in the language of the version being cataloged as the uniform title. Connect each version with the uniform title added entry heading(s) of the other version(s).  Other titles by which the work is known should be recorded as cross-references on the authority record. 

MARC Tags Used with Uniform Titles
 Uniform titles are entered in Marc tags 130 for translated, complex, or confusing works that do not have author main entries (including sacred scriptures, anonymous literary or historical works of various kinds, and serial titles).

If translated, complex, or confusing works do have author main entries, the uniform titles are entered in tags 240, (including works which have been translated or published in more than one form, and works which are grouped under general headings, including special headings for music and law).

A uniform title for any work with a title main entry, even if not translated or complicated in any way, may be used in a 630 field if it is a subject, or in a 730 field if it is considered to make a contribution to the book in hand. Likewise, a uniform title with an author main entry is used in a 600 |t or 610 |t if the work is a subject, or in a 700 |t or 710 |t if it makes a contribution, even if not translated or complicated.

In addition, a uniform title is the preferred form for use in linking tags (e.g. 776, 780, 785), since (at least in theory) it creates the best connection in the OPAC.


The policies here were inspired by the following:
http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/app-unif.html (11/03/10)
http://library.queensu.ca/techserv/cat/Sect02a/uniformtitles.html (11/06/10)