1. RDA: an introduction Gordon Dunsire Presented to the Workshop on Conceptual Modelling for Archives, Libraries and Museums 28-29 Jan 2010, National Gallery, Helsinki

2. RDA  Resource Description and Access  A new standard for creating bibliographic metadata  Based on the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules  In development since 1841 (Panizzi’s rules for the British Museum)  And FRBR, FRAD and other more modern stuff  Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records  Developed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA); published 1998  Statement of International Cataloguing Principles, 2009

3. User-centred features of RDA (1)  Covers all types of user  Those who need to find, identify, select, obtain and use information, and manage and organize information bibliographically  Covers all media  Print-based, digital; textual, visual, etc.  Equal, even treatment gives more control to the user in finding and choosing the most appropriate resources  Improves the FRBRizability of catalogues  Supporting user tasks of find, identify, select and obtain

4. FRBRization Work Expression 1 Manifestation 1.1 Item 1.1.1 Expression 2 Manifestation 2.1Manifestation 2.2 Item 2.1.1Item 2.2.1Item 2.2.2 Is realised through Is embodied in Is exemplified by Symphony no.1 LSO performance DVD-A Copy on shelf

5. User-centred features of RDA (2)  Clearly distinguishes content from carrier  E.g. Moving pictures on DVD; text on CD-ROM  Helpful for users with special needs  E.g. restrict search to non-visual resources  Multinational  Anglo-centricity (and cataloguer-eccentricity) removed  Abbreviations and acronyms avoided  Latinisms removed  Farewell s.n., s.l., et al.  [Still arguing about square brackets!]

6. User-centred features of RDA (3)  Independent of technical metadata formats  Can be used with MARC, DC (Dublin Core)  And a whole bunch of other acronyms  Gives user familiar metadata regardless of what system is used  Designed for the digital environment  RDA will be published as an online product  So could be incorporated in user help facilities  E.g. How a “preferred title for the work” (uniform title) is derived

7. Cataloguer-centred features of RDA (1)  Online product designed to interface and integrate with cataloguing modules  Work-flow integration will give step-by-step and contextual access to content rules  Possibility of adding local examples  Possibility of “myRDA”, removing unwanted rules and unused options  LMS vendors being kept informed  Avoidance of repetitive strain injury  Looking for that rule on corporate body main entry in AARC2

8. Cataloguer-centred features of RDA (2)  More emphasis on cataloguer’s judgment  Guidelines rather than “rules”  Rules grouped by bibliographic element rather than format  Bibliographic elements related to FRBR entities (related to user tasks)  Why am I recording this information?  Authority control included  Generally compatible with AACR

9. Thank you  g.dunsire@strath.ac.uk