How do we count pages?

General
1

For example, if a book has xvi roman numeral pages and and then restarts at page 1 for 500 numbered pages, do we enter 500, xvi+500, 500+xvi, or simply add to get 516? This also applies for books which contain two works, where the first work has 250 pages, and the page numbering restarts at 1 for a second work with 250 pages. Do we enter 250+250 or 500?

Chapters would reflect actual numbering (I think):

xvii…Introduction

1…Work A

3…Work A Chapter 1

50…Work A Chapter 1

1…Work B

3…Work B Chapter 1

50…Work B Chapter 1

2

As the data comes from bookogs, I am using the old rule we had there (assuming I recall correctly)… Just list whatever the highest printed page number in the book actually is.

This is a helpful approach as the printed number is easily confirmed when comparing editions.

3

I can see ignoring the Roman numerals, but what about cases where the numbering restarts? Surely we do not say a 500 page book has 250 pages because the numbering restarts?

4

Yes, that’s trickier. I have been using notes in those cases, like this 4 volume set…

Lu Xun: Selected Works - Books - ctlgs

And then leaving the Pages field empty for now. I am not sure how much it matters as long as the data is accurately recorded.

5

On further consideration, for your re-started numbering example, I would go with 250 & 250 in the Pages field and add a note.

6

I would say page numbers in the chapter list would would provide the necessary information.

7

I’ve entered a couple as, for example “xvii / 254” to differentiate between an introduction and the actual book

8

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. At some point we’ll codify this into contribution guidelines.