Definition

Noun: A publication issued in successive parts, typically at regular, scheduled intervals. These parts are usually numbered or dated and are intended to be continued indefinitely. Common examples include magazines, journals, and newspapers.

Usage

A "serial publication" is a formal term for any periodical that is published in a series over time. It emphasizes the ongoing, sequential nature of the publication. - The library has a large collection of serial publications, including academic journals and monthly magazines. - Managing subscriptions for serial publications is a core function of the periodicals department.

Advanced Usage

• In Library Science: The term is a key category for cataloging and organizing materials that are issued in parts. "Serials management" refers to the processes of acquiring, cataloging, and preserving these items.
  • Her work in serials management involves tracking the arrival of new issues of hundreds of serial publications.

Variants and Related Words

• Serial (noun): Often used as a shorter, more common synonym for "serial publication."
  • The new serial is published quarterly.
• Periodical (noun): A very close synonym, though "periodical" strongly emphasizes the regular, scheduled publication interval.
• Series (noun): While a "series" can refer to a set of related books or broadcasts, in publishing, it can sometimes overlap with the concept of a serial publication, especially for numbered monographic series.

Synonyms

• Periodical
• Journal
• Magazine
• Gazette

Related Phrases

• Serial record: The catalog entry or record that describes a serial publication and its publication history.
  • Check the serial record to see if we have the complete run of that journal.
• Ceased publication: A phrase used in library catalogs to indicate a serial publication is no longer being issued.
  • The catalog note says this serial publication ceased publication in 2010.

Noun

1. a periodical that appears at scheduled times