RDA is Coming!
‘RDA: Resource Description and Access’ is the new descriptive cataloguing standard that will replace AACR2.
RDA is a particularly exciting development for libraries as it will help them pursue their web-based resource sharing strategies by creating records that are more flexible in meeting users’ needs, and shareable with other metadata communities.
RDA is expected to be published in May 2009.
Implications for Libraries and Cataloguers
The transition from AACR2 to RDA will not be a major upheaval for Australian libraries. Conversion of existing catalogue records will not be necessary when RDA is implemented. However, a small number of changes to headings will be introduced by RDA—for instance, abbreviations will be spelt in full. In these cases libraries will be able to obtain corrected headings from Libraries Australia or do global changes in their own library systems.
In the coming year, changes will be made to the MARC encoding standard to accommodate some new RDA fields. Libraries should consult with their local library system supplier to find out how these changes will be implemented. Changes to local systems will be necessary to download records from Libraries Australia.
Implementation of RDA
The National Library of Australia, in collaboration with the Australian Committee on Cataloguing (ACOC), ALIA, library schools and training agencies and other national libraries, will spend the remainder of 2009 working on a number of activities that will assist Australian libraries and Libraries Australia to make a smooth transition to RDA in early 2010.
Activities we will be working on include familiarisation with the RDA online product, developing shareable workflows and documentation, identifying system changes required and making the changes to Libraries Australia, developing a national training strategy and tools, and working with others to deliver training Australia-wide.
Keeping Up-to-date with Developments
The main RDA website, www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/jsc, contains a large amount of information relating to development of RDA.
ACOC has also established a section about RDA on their website. This site, www.nla.gov.au/lis/stndrds/grps/acoc/rda.html, will provide a range of information more relevant to RDA implementation in Australia.
The National Library is setting up an email list to provide Australian libraries with a mechanism for asking questions about and commenting on the product. The new email list will be widely publicised ahead of its launch.
A very important forthcoming event is the ACOC seminar, ‘RDA: Next Generation Cataloguing’, to be held at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney, on Friday 24 October 2008. The program and registration details are available at www.nla.gov.au/lis/stndrds/grps/acoc/acocseminar2008.html.
Catherine Argus
Coordinator, RDA



