What is the relationship between pattern data and holdings data?
In the MARC holdings format, 853, 854, and 855 fields define the publication pattern of a work. (Field 853 is for the basic work, while 854 and 855 are for supplements and indexes.) Fields 863, 864, and 865 fields define the holdings, i.e. the enumeration and chronology (numbers and time span) that apply to the published parts (issues, volumes, etc.) that use that pattern. For purposes of the CONSER experiment, the holdings given in field 863 for the basic work will probably be limited to a single issue that will indicate when the pattern became applicable to the serial. Following are an 853 field for a journal and the associated 863 field for the first issue: 891 00 $9 853 $8 1 $a v. $b no. $u 12 $v r $i (year) $j month $w m $x 01 891 30 $9 863 $8 1.1 $a 1 $b 1 $i 1987 $j 01 In this case, the journal has two levels of enumeration: v. ($a), no. ($b) and the chronology consists of year ($i) and month ($j). It is monthly ($w) with 12 numbers per volume ($u) and begins in January ($x). Th
