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The RDA Primer
Anyone looking for a well written, concise and interesting introduction to RDA will be delighted to learn that that University Library has recently acquired Amy Hart’s The RDA Primer: A Guide for the Occasional Cataloger. This useful guide provides a brief yet informative overview of the history of RDA and a description of what separates the new code from AACR2. It’s littered with examples, screen shorts and tables which help provide even the most infrequent cataloguer with an understanding of how RDA works.
Unlike other books on the subject, The RDA Primer is written in a fluid and easily digestible language. Hart manages to mix the important and practical information required with an interesting and exciting perspective on RDA and its impact. She even goes so far as to introduce RDA as a ‘Machiavellian Intrigue’ with a revolutionary feel to it.
As the title suggests, The RDA Primer is designed for anyone not wanting to read a more in-depth guide to using RDA (some of which reach 900 pages long!). At a time when FRBR, FRAD and RDA are combined to create an increasingly complex cataloguing code, it is reassuring to find a book which provides busy librarians with the information they need.
For further information on RDA, check out the University Library’s Librarianship Collection for a full range of useful resources.
RDA
The introduction of RDA (Resource Description and Access), the new cataloguing standard, has meant one of the biggest changes in cataloguing practice in recent years. RDA is intended to provide increased access to resources in ways which were difficult with previous standards such as AACR2. Older standards primarily dealt with print materials but the increase in digital output meant that things needed to change.
RDA is based on the FRBR (Fundamental Requirements for Bibliographic Records) model. This is a conceptual model which describes relationships between different entities such as the author, editor or subject of the item in hand.
If all of this terminology leaves you scratching your head then don’t worry, you’re not alone! Luckily, the Library Science Collection includes a variety of resources on RDA. We have works on the background of FRBR, the practical implementation of RDA and works on cataloguing specific types of resource. As RDA becomes more established we will be adding to the collection, with several exciting new titles to look forward to. To keep on top of the latest additions why not follow our Pinterest board dedicated to RDA?
If you’re looking for more specific examples of RDA, remember that Cambridge University Library has shared its training material online via the CambridgeRDA blog.
Bibliography of resources on RDA
Photo credit: seemingly via Flickr
UL Library Science Collection 