2 messages, 69 lines:

(1)------------------------
Date:         Wed, 4 Dec 1996 13:15:37 -0600
From:         Pauline Bryant <bryantp@HOST1.SWOSU.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Title Name Change

At 12:00 PM 12/4/96 EST, Daphne Greenwood <dgreenwood@asmusa.org> wrote:

>     The editorial board for one of our journals recently requested that we
>     implement a name change (and cover redesign) that is more reflective
>     of the journal's scope.  The board would like for the name change to
>     be effective with the first issue of 1997, which is published in the
>     early spring.
>
>     Could I please receive some comments on this issue?  I believe in the
>     value of a name change, but I want to make sure that it is done as
>     efficiently and smoothly as possible for our customers.

Daphne -
        Thanks for asking in advance - we appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I know in our Serials Department, we would rather see a title change with the
first issue of a volume.  We bind many of our peiodicals and this helps "keep
things together".  I don't think it makes any difference which title is on
our vendor's invoice as the money is automatically transferred over to the
new title.  It has been helpful to me to receive a letter or notice in
advance of the name change, or along with the first issue, and also have the
notation "formerly 'old title name'" somewhere on the front cover.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Pauline Bryant, Serials Dept.
Al Harris Library, Southwestern Okla State Univ
Weatherford, Oklahoma 73096
bryantp@host1.swosu.edu.us          (405) 774-7022
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

(2)------------------------
Date:         Wed, 4 Dec 1996 15:59:46 EST
From:         Sandy Gurshman <gurshman@READMORE.COM>
Subject:      Re: Title Name Change

Daphne Greenwood asked for opinions on changing a journal title
---------------------------------------

Thanks for recognizing the stake librarians have in this process, and for
soliciting input.

If there is to be a change, the first issue of a new volume is the best
time; it is helpful to include the reference to the prior title in an
editorial or foreward rather than (or in addition to) a separate notice.

Thanks also for noting the role of the subscription agent. The crucial
point here is to notify the agents as soon as possible; most agents have
regular communications with the libraries they serve and will help you
spread the word.

If you have an ISSN for the title you are currently using (and I do hope
you have), please apply for a new ISSN as soon as possible after you have
determined the new title, since you cannot continue to use the old ISSN
for the new title. The old and new titles will then be linked in
bibliographic and acquisitions databases.  You can reach the National
Serials Data Program at 202-707-6452, or visit the NSDP site
http://lcweb.loc.gov/issn/

Good luck.

Sandy Gurshman
Manager, Publisher Services
Readmore
<gurshman@READMORE.COM>