(cross-posted to CONSRLST, where discussion of this situation was also being discussed)

When NSDP received a prepublication request for Nouvelles études francophones as a title change from Etudes francophones, there was, of course, no indication that there was a dispute. We assumed that the old title would cease, and created the prepublication record indicating a straightforward title change from Etudes francophones. However, in light of the fact that further issues have now been published with the Etudes francophones title within its numbering scheme, we are reconsidering this treatment.

The surrogate we have for Vol. 20, no. 1 (printemps 2005) of Etudes francophones does not claim to be affiliated directly with the Conseil, although, as previously pointed out, it does trace its bibliographic lineage back through previous title changes.

The ISSN is not the property of an issuing body or publisher, but instead is permanently assigned to the key title. From what we have seen so far, it would appear that ISSN 1093-9334 should remain valid for Etudes francophones no matter who is publishing it, at least until any legal or ownership issues are sorted out by the relevant parties.  The ISSN should play no role in the resolution of that matter.

Therefore, from an ISSN standpoint at this time, we feel no new ISSN and no new bibliographic record is needed. We are inclined to re-open OCLC #34979714, ISSN 1093-9334 for Etudes francophones, and add a note indicating that it is no longer issued by the Conseil international d'études francophones, but is now issued by the Programme d'études francophones, Université ... We are also inclined to change the 780/785 links to reflect 'continues in part,' unless someone has a better idea of how to indicate this bibiographic relationship.

Some of these steps are subject to change pending further developments.  We are in communication with a representative from the Conseil, and will be in touch with the list if there is any resolution or change.

We have received an issue of Nouvelles études francophones, but have not yet updated the record from its prepublication status. If there are no objections to this handling of the situation, we will update the records as indicated above.

Pamela Simpson

Pamela Simpson
Cataloger
National Serials Data Program
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540-4160

(202) 707-2656 (voice)
(202) 707-6333 (fax)
psimpson@loc.gov