Introducing RDA

January 9th, 2013

Chris OliverMcGill Universitychris.oliver@mcgill.ca

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What is RDA?

RDA = Resource Description and Access

• new metadata standard replaces AACR2

• set of practical instructions

• built on the foundation of a theoretical framework/data model

objectives:• to record better metadata to support better resource

discovery• to record data that can be used in the web and linked data

environment

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Plannot a training session

aim: overview of RDAunderstand some of the background and the key

concepts --- to make training sessions easier1. moving towards RDA implementation2. key concepts and their visible impact on RDA

a) theoretical frameworkb) objectives and principlesc) focus on the userd) content standarde) bibliographic information as data

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1. Moving towards RDA

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AACR2 successful standard adopted by many countries in use for many years

butproblems with AACR2

for example:• written for card catalogues• inadequate rules to describe new types of resources• inconsistencies• library specific

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Roots of RDA

1997 problems identified:International Conference on the Principles &

Future Development of AACR, Toronto, Ontario

1998-2004 revisions to AACR2; revise within the existing structure

2004 AACR3

2005 decision to develop a new standard: Resource Description and Access

2005-2009 development of content for the new standard

2009 text of RDA completed

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Moving towards RDA

2010 first release of the RDA Toolkit (RDA plus)

2010 US testing (US RDA Test Coordinating Committee)

2011 some of the libraries who tested RDA decide to continue producing RDA records

2011-2012 preparations for implementation- work on recommendations arising from US Test- community involvement

2012 announcement from the Library of Congress -- target date for implementation: March 31, 2013

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Moving towards RDA

2012 other national libraries are also planning to target the 1st quarter of 2013 as their RDA implementation date:

National Agricultural Library National Library of MedicineBritish LibraryLibrary and Archives CanadaNational Library of AustraliaDeutsche Nationalbibliothek (mid 2013)

2011- translation projects: German, French, Spanish, Chineseinterest in RDA from non-AACR2 countries

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Is there a day 1?

Yes and No1) day 1 is important for a sharing data environment: PCC: declares day 1 for contributing to NACO authorities

LC: declares day 1 for its own cataloguing operations

2) some institutions never switched back after the test

3) each institution decides on day 1 for bibliographic data

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March 31, 2013• all new authority records contributed to LC/NACO authority file

= RDA

• all records coded pcc = all RDA access pointsall records coded pcc whether:

• RDA descriptionor

• AACR2 description

• LC will have completed training all its cataloging staffand all LC records will be RDA records

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by March 31, 2013• rapid rise in number of RDA bibliographic records

• changes in LC/NACO authority file

implications for authority work

implications for copy cataloging

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implementation -- not a single

instant instant

Transition

Different institutions will make the transition at different speeds

OK to be in a hybrid environment:

1) hybrid database or catalogue √

AACR and RDA records in one catalogue or database

2) hybrid record √

AACR2 description and RDA access points

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Phase 1 of implementation

emphasis on continuity

● RDA data in MARC 21

● in current catalogues● creating bibliographic and authority records

● some new fields● some changed instructions● some new instructions

BUT >>> thinking about bibliographic information differently

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Phase 1 = starting down new track

RDA• continuity and change

• moves us to a new track

• starts us on a promising track for the future use of our metadata

• useful to understand some of the key RDA concepts and see the long view

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2. Key concepts in RDA

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AACR2 RDA• continue to record the title

• continue to record the statement of responsibility

• continue to record the date of publication

But …

• new vocabulary

• new way of thinking about how we do these steps

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Similar, but ...

AACR21.2B1. Transcribe the edition statement as found on the item. Use abbreviations as instructed in appendix B and numerals as instructed in appendix C.

RDA2.5.1.4. Transcribe an edition statement as it appears on the source of information.

No instruction to abbreviate or to convert to arabic numerals.

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Similar, but ...• serious adherence to the principle of representation

“take what you see”

t.p. data recorded

3rd ed. 3rd ed.

Second edition Second edition

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On the surface …

similar instructionsbut different framework

new vocabulary

but also new concepts

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2. Key concepts in RDA

Theoretical framework

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RDA’s theoretical framework• explicit conceptual framework

• aligned with the FRBR and FRAD conceptual models

FRBR Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records1998

FRAD Functional Requirements for Authority Data2009

FRAD is an extension of the FRBR model

• both models developed under the auspices of IFLA• broad base of international consensus and support

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The two models• widely used data modeling technique:

entity relationship model• entities• attributes• relationships

• analyze bibliographic and authority data from the point of view of how that data is used

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RDA vocabulary from FRBR + FRAD

• user tasks

• meaning and scope of the 11 bibliographic entities

work person conceptexpression family objectmanifestation corporate body eventitem place

• entities – attributes – relationships

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Organization and Structure of RDA

RDA table of contents reflects alignment with FRBR

Section 1-4 = Recording attributes

Section 1. Recording attributes of manifestation and item

Section 2. Recording attributes of work and expression

Section 3. Recording attributes of person, family, and corporate body

Section 4. Recording attributes of concept, object, event, and place

[placeholder]

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Organization and Structure of RDASections 5-10 = Recording Relationships

Section 5. Recording primary relationships between work, expression, manifestation, and item

Section 6. Recording relationships to persons, families, and corporate bodies associated with a resource

Section 7. Recording subject relationships [placeholder]

Section 8. Recording relationships between works, expressions, manifestations, and items

Section 9. Recording relationships between persons, families, and corporate bodies

Section 10. Recording relationships between concepts, objects, events, and places

[placeholder]

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User tasks from FRBR + FRAD

Bibliographic data

• find• identify• select• obtain

Authority data

• find• identify• clarify (contextualize)• understand (justify)

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Attributes• how to record the attributes of entities (characteristics)

for example, entity = a manifestation

attributes we record: title properstatement of responsibilityedition statementplace of publicationetc.

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Relationships: links between entities

work created by personitem owned by familymanifestation produced by corporate body

work based on workmanifestation electronic reproduction manifestation

person member of familyfamily founded corporate body

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Relationships in RDA1. record relationship

2. specify exact nature of the relationship

for example

AACR2 name of a person ------- title of book

• type of relationship may be embedded in text of description• bibliographic record contains name of person and title

RDA name of a person --- type of relationship --- work

• make the relationship explicit and clear• relationship designators = controlled vocabulary

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Relationship designators• specify roles

for example cartographerperformerbroadcasterformer ownerissuing body

• specify the nature of the relationshipfor example adaptation of

paraphrased aselectronic reproduction of

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Relationships in RDA

examples with MARC 21 coding:

245 10 $a British Atlantic, American frontier : $b spaces of power in early modern British America / $c Stephen J. Hornsby ; with cartography by Michael J. Hermann.

700 1# $a Herman, Michael J., $e cartographer

245 00 $a Alice in Wonderland, or, What's a nice kid like you doing in a place like this? /$c Hanna-Barbera Productions.

700 1# $i parody of (work) $a Carroll, Lewis, $d 1832-1898. $t Alice's adventures in Wonderland.

authority record500 3# $w r $i Descendant family: $a Adams (Family)

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Theoretical framework• alignment with the FRBR and FRAD conceptual models

• bibliographic and authority data >>> in terms of entities, attributes + relationships

• identify what is important --- how is data used

• systematic and coherent framework >>> conceptual clarity >>> logical consistency >>> reference point for further development

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Underlying data model

>>> practical set of cataloguing instructions● built on a theoretical framework● built on a robust data model

• widely used data modeling technique

• understood by other metadata and data modeling communitiese.g. software engineers, information systems and database designers

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2. Key concepts in RDA

Objectives and principles

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RDA Objectives & Principles• important part of RDA

• shaped many of the instructions that are different from AACR2

• concur with the International Cataloguing Principles (ICP)

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RDA Objectives & Principles

Objectives RDA 0.4.2

• responsiveness to user needs

• cost efficiency

• flexibility

• continuity

Principles RDA 0.4.3

• differentiation

• sufficiency

• relationships

• representation

• accuracy

• attribution

• common usage or practice

• uniformity

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Principle of representation

for example RDA 0.4.3.4principle = representation

The data describing a resource should reflect the resource’s representation of itself.

result = simplify transcription“Take what you see”

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RDA = Take what you see

source = Kemptville, OntarioAACR2 = Kemptville, Ont.RDA = Kemptville, Ontario

264 1 $a Kemptville, Ontario _____________________________________________________

source = Band LXXXVIII (series numbering)AACR2 = Bd. 88RDA = Band LXXXVIII

490 $a ... ; $v Band LXXXVIII

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RDA = Take what you see

source = Third revised editionAACR2 = 3rd rev. ed.RDA = Third revised edition_____________________________________________

source = 2nd enlarged ed., revisedAACR2 = 2nd enl. ed., rev.RDA = 2nd enlarged ed., revised

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Different instructions

AACR2 1.0F. Inaccuracies

In an area where transcription from the item is required, transcribe an inaccuracy or a misspelled word as it appears in the item. Follow such an inaccuracy either by [sic] or by i.e. and the correction within square brackets. Supply a missing letter or letters in square brackets.

RDA 1.7.9 Inaccuracies

When instructed to transcribe an element as it appears on the source of information, transcribe an inaccuracy or a misspelled word as it appears on the source, except where instructed otherwise.

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Inaccuracy in RDA 1.7.9 continued

Make a note correcting the inaccuracy if it is considered to be important for identification or access (see 2.20 ).

If the inaccuracy appears in a title, record a corrected form of the title as a variant title (see 2.3.6 ) if it is considered to be important for identification or access.

Exception:

2.3.1.4 Inaccuracies. When transcribing the title proper of a serial or integrating resource, correct obvious typographic errors, and make a note giving the title as it appears on the source of information (see 2.20.2.4 ) ...

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RDA = Take what you see

title page = Melallization of polymers

AACR2 = Melallization [sic] of polymers or Melallization [i.e. Metallization] of polymers

RDA = Melallization of polymers

245 14 $a Melallization of polymers 246 1 $i Corrected title: $a Metallization

of polymers

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2. Key concepts in RDA

Focus on the user

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RDA Objectives & Principles

Objectives RDA 0.4.2

• responsiveness to user needs

• cost efficiency

• flexibility

• continuity

Principles RDA 0.4.3

• differentiation

• sufficiency

• relationships

• representation

• accuracy

• attribution

• common usage or practice

• uniformity

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Focus on the user• record data that is important to the user

why is it important?

helps the user to findidentifyselectobtain

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Resource discovery = user tasks

Bibliographic data

• find• identify• select• obtain

Why record the data?

Authority data

• find• identify• clarify• understand

To help user achieve these tasks.

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Consistent focus on the user • RDA divided into 10 sections

• each section begins with general guidelines

• functional objectives and principles specific to the section

Functional objectives = relationship between data and user tasks

the data (recorded or formulated according to the instructions in that section)

the user tasks

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Example from Section 1Section 1= Recording attributes of manifestations & items

1.2 Functional Objectives and Principles

The data describing a manifestation or item should enable the user to:

a) find manifestations and items that correspond to the user’s stated search criteria

b) identify the resource described …

c) select a resource that is appropriate to the user’s requirements with respect to the physical characteristics of the carrier and the formatting and encoding of information stored on the carrier

d) obtain a resource …

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Basis for Cataloguer Judgment• instructions encourage cataloguer judgment

--- based on user tasks

for example, from 3.7 Applied material

Record the applied material used in the resource if it is considered important for identification or selection …

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Easier for user to identify• avoid abbreviations

300 $a 398 pages :$b illustrations ; $c 25 cmAACR2: 300 $a 398 p. :$b ill. ; $c 25 cm.

• avoid square brackets 300 $a 48 unnumbered pages, 256 pages

AACR2: 300 $a [48], 256 p.• replace Latin abbreviations 300 $a 48, that is, 96 pages

AACR2: 300 $a 48 [i.e. 96] p. • avoid cryptic information 300 $a xiv, 179 pages (incomplete)

AACR2: 300 $a xiv, 179 + p.

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Easier for user to find, identify

RDA: no more: rule of three

no more … [et al.] in descriptionif statement of responsibility names more than one person >>> record all RDA

2.4.1.5

optional omission: record first named and summarize the omission[and six others]

access points for first named or principal core

or all or cataloger judgment or institutional policy

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Easier for user to find, identifyRDA: record all authors; access points for all authors;

define relationships with designators

100 1 $a Berry, John W., $e author.245 10 $a Cross-cultural psychology : $b research and applications /

$c John W. Berry, Ype H. Poortinga, Seger M. Breugelmans, Athanasios Chasiotis, David L. Sam.

250 $a Third edition.264 1 $a Cambridge : $b Cambridge University Press, $c 2011. 300 $a xxii, 626 pages ; $c 25 cm700 1 $a Poortinga, Ype H., $d 1939- $e author.700 1 $a Breugelmans, Seger M., $e author.700 1 $a Chasiotis, Athanasios, $e author.700 1 $a Sam, David L., $e author.

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Easier for user to understand

RDAoptional omission (2.4.1.5):

more than three, omit and summarizecore relationship = access point for first-namedomit relationship designator

100 1 $a Berry, John W.245 10 $a Cross-cultural psychology : $b research and

applications / $c John W. Berry [and four others]. 250 $a Third edition.264 1 $a Cambridge : $b Cambridge University Press, $c 2011. 300 $a xxii, 626 pages ; $c 25 cm

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Easier for user to find

AACR2 Aesop’s fables. Polyglot.

RDA Aesop’s fables. GreekAesop’s fables. Latin Aesop’s fables. English Aesop’s fables. German

AACR2 Aesop’s fables. English & German

RDA Aesop’s fables. English Aesop’s fables. German

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2. Key concepts in RDA

Content standard

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RDA as a content standard

AACR2: MARC encoding + ISBD display

RDA = what data should the cataloguer record?

• possible to encode using many encoding systems• can be encoded using MARC• does not have to be encoded using MARC encoding• can be used with web friendly XML based encoding schema,

such as Dublin Core, MODS

• possible to display the data in many ways

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RDA as a content standard

for example, encode the data as required in your data-sharing environment

RDA says: record person’s date of birth = 1982

Encode?$d 1982- MARC 21<subfield code="d">1982- </subfield> MARCXML<mods:namePart type="date">1982-

</mods:namePart> <dob>1982</dob>

<xs:element name="rdaDateOfBirth“>1982</xs:element>

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RDA as a content standard

for example, create displays that suit your user group:

RDA says: record person’s date of death = 2003

Display? died 2003d. 2003- 2003date of death: 2003

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Identifying the entity

eithereye-readable data: name

date of birth and deathShields, Carol, 1953-2003

and/or

machine actionable data: identifier0101A6635http://viaf.org/viaf/4944537/#Shields,_Carol

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RDA as a content standard• not locked into library encoding practices

• not locked into library display practices

• get out of the library silo>>> data visible on the web>>> data interacting with the

data of other metadatacommunities

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2. Key concepts in RDA

Bibliographic information as data

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Data Elements

element = A word, character, or group of words and/or characters representing a distinct unit of bibliographic information.

appears similar to AACR2 definitionminus “forming part of an area”

effect is quite different from AACR2

each element is ≈ discrete≈ precisely defined

≈ single attribute / single relationship

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AACR2for exampleAACR2: information embedded in non-specific places

notes digital file characteristicsphysical description file typeMARC 538 encoding format

516 file size500 resolution300 regional encoding

transmission speed

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RDARDA: precise elements and element sub-types

digital file characteristics RDA 3.19file typeencoding formatfile sizeresolutionregional encoding transmission speed

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347 Digital File Characteristics

new MARC field 347subfield codes

$a - File type (R)$b - Encoding format (R)$c - File size (R)$d - Resolution (R)$e - Regional encoding (R)$f - Transmission speed (R)

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AACR2 InformationAACR2: assume human will decipher

ok to be ambiguous

AACR2: date of publication, distribution, etc.date of copyrightdate of manufacture

MARC 21: 260 $c260 $g

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RDA Data ElementsRDA: precise elements – only one kind of data in an element

RDA: 5 different elements: RDA 2.7-2.11date of productiondate of publicationdate of distributiondate of manufacturedate of copyright

MARC 21: 264 $c 5 different indicators

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Controlled vocabulary• controlled vocabulary recommended for many elements

encoding format DAISY, MP3, Access, XML, JPEG, TIFF, CAD, PDF, Blu-ray, VCD

production method blueline, blueprint, engraving, etching, lithograph, photocopy, photoengraving, woodcut

base material Bristol board, canvas, cardboard, ceramic, glass, leather, paper, parchment, vellum

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RDA data = precise + usable data

RDA• each element is distinct and precisely defined• each element contains only one kind of data• controlled vocabulary in many elements

each element has the potential to be usable: to indexto searchto build meaningful displays of data

data in any element can be used: by humans by computers

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Many new elements

many new elements but do not have to use them all

core elements

• not a level of description

• core elements are a minimum “a floor, not a ceiling”

• must include any additional elements required to differentiate the resource or entity from a similar one

• inclusion of other elements --- cataloguer judgment

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Phase 1: RDA using MARCBibliographic description:

• core elements (RDA core, LC/PCC core)• new MARC fields• simplified instructions for transcription• some new instructions when recording data

Authorized access points in bibliographic records:• LC/NACO authority file• some new instructions when identifying persons, families,

corporate bodies, works and expressions

Authority records:• NACO guidelines

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AACR2: simple book (abbreviated)

020 $a 9780230242685 (hardback)100 1 $a Stanfield, James Ronald, $d 1945- 245 10 $a John Kenneth Galbraith / $c by James Ronald

Stanfield and Jacqueline Bloom Stanfield.260 $a Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire : $b Palgrave

Macmillan, $c 2011.300 $a xi, 251 p. ; $c 23 cm.490 1 $a Great Thinkers in Economics Series700 1 $a Stanfield, Jacqueline Bloom, $d 1947-

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RDA: simple book (abbreviated)

020 $a 9780230242685 (hardback)100 1 $a Stanfield, James Ronald, $d 1945- $e author.245 10 $a John Kenneth Galbraith / $c by James Ronald

Stanfield and Jacqueline Bloom Stanfield.264 1 $a Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire : $b Palgrave

Macmillan, $c 2011.300 $a xi, 251 pages ; $c 23 cm.336 $a text $2 rdacontent337 $a unmediated $2 rdamedia338 $a volume $2 rdacarrier490 1 $a Great Thinkers in Economics Series700 1 $a Stanfield, Jacqueline Bloom, $d 1947- $e author.

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RDA: simple book (abbreviated)

020 $a 9780230242685 (hardback)100 1 $a Stanfield, James Ronald, $d 1945- $e author.245 10 $a John Kenneth Galbraith / $c by James Ronald

Stanfield and Jacqueline Bloom Stanfield.264 1 $a Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire : $b Palgrave

Macmillan, $c 2011.300 $a xi, 251 pages ; $c 23 cm.336 $a text $2 rdacontent337 $a unmediated $2 rdamedia338 $a volume $2 rdacarrier490 1 $a Great Thinkers in Economics Series700 1 $a Stanfield, Jacqueline Bloom, $d 1947- $e author.

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AACR2: audiocassette100 1 $a Card, Orson Scott, $d 1951-245 14 $a The ships of Earth $h[sound recording] / ǂc Orson Scott

Card.260 $a [Ashland, Oregon] : ǂb Blackstone Audiobooks, ǂc p2008.300 $a 9 sound cassettes (ca. 13 hr.) : $b analog, Dolby processed.511 0 $a Read by Stefan Rudnicki. Directed by Emily Janice Card.700 1 $a Rudnicki, Stefan, $d 1945- 700 1 $a Card, Emily Janice

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RDA: audiocassette (from PCC examples)

100 1 $a Card, Orson Scott, $d 1951- $e author.240 10 $a Ships of Earth. $s Spoken word245 14 $a The ships of Earth / ǂc Orson Scott Card.264 1 $a [Ashland, Oregon] : ǂb Blackstone Audiobooks, ǂc [2008]264 4 $c ℗2008300 $a 9 audiocassettes (approximately 13 hr.) : $b analog, Dolby

processed ; $c 10 x 7 cm, 4 mm tape.336 $a spoken word $2 rdacontent337 $a audio $2 rdamedia338 $a audiocassette $2 rdacarrier511 0 $a Read by Stefan Rudnicki. Directed by Emily Janice Card.700 1 $a Rudnicki, Stefan, $d 1945- $e narrator.700 1 $a Card, Emily Janice, $e director.

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RDA: audiocassette (from PCC examples)

100 1 $a Card, Orson Scott, $d 1951- $e author.240 10 $a Ships of Earth. $s Spoken word245 14 $a The ships of Earth / ǂc Orson Scott Card.264 1 $a [Ashland, Oregon] : ǂb Blackstone Audiobooks, ǂc [2008]264 4 $c ℗2008300 $a 9 audiocassettes (approximately 13 hr.) : $b analog, Dolby

processed ; $c 10 x 7 cm, 4 mm tape.336 $a spoken word $2 rdacontent337 $a audio $2 rdamedia338 $a audiocassette $2 rdacarrier511 0 $a Read by Stefan Rudnicki. Directed by Emily Janice Card.700 1 $a Rudnicki, Stefan, $d 1945- $e narrator.700 1 $a Card, Emily Janice, $e director.

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AACR2: compilation (abbreviated+made-up)

100 1 $a Williams, Tennessee.240 10 $a Selections. $f 2009245 10 $a Favorite plays and a short story / $c Tennessee Williams.260 0 $a Boston : $b University Press, $c 2009.300 $a 325 p. : $b ill. ; $c 28 cm505 0 $a The Glass Menagerie -- A Streetcar Named Desire --

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof -- The Night of the Iguana.

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RDA: compilation (abbreviated+made-up)100 1 $a Williams, Tennessee.240 10 $a Works. $k Selections. $f 2009245 10 $a Favorite plays and a short story / $c Tennessee Williams.264 1 $a Boston : $b University Press, $c 2009.300 $a 325 pages : $b illustrations ; $c 28 cm336 $a text $2 rdacontent337 $a unmediated $2 rdamedia338 $a volume $2 rdacarrier505 0 $a The Glass Menagerie -- A Streetcar Named Desire --

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof -- The Night of the Iguana.700 12 $a Williams, Tennessee. $t Glass menagerie.

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RDA: compilation (abbreviated+made-up)

100 1 $a Williams, Tennessee.240 10 $a Works. $k Selections. $f 2009245 10 $a Favorite plays and a short story / $c Tennessee Williams.264 1 $a Boston : $b University Press, $c 2009.300 $a 325 pages : $b illustrations ; $c 28 cm336 $a text $2 rdacontent337 $a unmediated $2 rdamedia338 $a volume $2 rdacarrier700 12 $a Williams, Tennessee. $t Glass menagerie.700 12 $a Williams, Tennessee. $t Streetcar named Desire.700 12 $a Williams, Tennessee. $t Cat on a hot tin roof.700 12 $a Williams, Tennessee. $t Night of the Iguana.

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Key concepts

Key concepts shape RDA:

• theoretical framework

• objectives and principles

• focus on the user

• content standard

• bibliographic information as data

>>> visible impact on RDA and the content of instructions

>>> many changes in RDA trace back to concepts

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Familiarity with key RDA concepts• a useful way to grab hold of RDA

• a useful way to approach RDA implementation

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Flickr credits: creative commons attribution

Monarch life cycle – 14 of 20 by SidPix (Sid Mosdell)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidm/4813665260/

Monarch life cycle – 20 of 20 by SidPix (Sid Mosdell)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sidm/4813666686/

Cross track – iPhone wall paper by CJ Schmit

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cjschmit/4623783487/

The roof continues by Martin Pettitthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mdpettitt/2521374167/

Oregon silo by TooFarNorth

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toofarnorth/4597980984/

Rock climbing is fun by mariachilyhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mariachily/3382799213/

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Questions …

?

chris.oliver@mcgill.ca

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