RDA Training I: A Gentle Introduction

Abstract

This presentation gives a gentle introduction to the new cataloging standard “Resource Description and Access” (RDA). It starts from the conceptual models and principles RDA is built on and the rationale to switch from AACR (Anglo-American Cataloging Rules) to RDA in a digital environment. It covers the main changes from AACR2 to RDA, the terminology changes and the new fields in RDA. It gives emphasis on how to identify RDA records and offers many examples in OCLC and in WSU Libraries. It provides quick sheets for copy catalogers, serial catalogers and music catalogers as brief guides to RDA. At the end, it touches on the status of RDA Testing, what can be done in RDA Toolkit, and some system and policy issues. This is the first of a series of RDA training sessions at WSU Libraries.