Number Line in Modern Trade Publications

Number lines in publications

Printing information in modern trade publications is often found in the number line, also known as a printer’s key. The number appears in various ways; sometimes dates are included. The number (and date if included) of the printing is the earliest number that appears.

Examples of number lines that indicate 1st printings are:

• QUM 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
• 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
• 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 3 2

Examples of number lines that indicate 2nd printings are:

• 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2
• 2 4 6 8 9 7 5 3

Number lines that include dates:

• 03 04 05 06 07 5 4 3 2 1 [1st printing, 2003]

When the number line includes characters that cannot be reproduced in a catalog record, omit the characters and replace with the mark of omission:

• On piece: 94 95 96 97 98 ※/RRD 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 [2nd printing, 1994]
• In record: 94 95 96 97 98 …/RRD 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Notes in bibliographic records

Always transcribe a number line when one is present: in a 500 note when a catalog record for each printing is being created or in a 590 note when one record is created for all printings of an edition. For instructions one when to create separate records for each printing, see Printings within an Edition.

Separate Records for all printings

Make a 500 note, quoting from the item.

One Record for printings within an edition

Make a 590 note for each printing.