Introducing RDA

Starred review from January 1, 2011

While Resource Description and Access (RDA), the new cataloging standard, succeeding Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR), is finally a reality, a firm understanding of what it is and how it will affect our current cataloging practices is still an elusive dream for some. Oliver (cataloging & authorities coordinator, McGill Univ. Lib., Montreal), chair of the Canadian Committee on Cataloguing, has written a useful guide that provides a clear explanation of what RDA is all about. Through numerous examples, Oliver compares and contrasts RDA and AACR. He also discusses RDA background and its connection to the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD) models and international standards, changes in cataloging practice, the advantages of changing to RDA, and the factors involved in making the transition, e.g., the training involved. VERDICT Highly recommended for novice and experienced catalogers as well as library school faculty and students seeking basic information on RDA and its implementation.--Susan E. Ketcham, Long Island Univ. Lib., Brentwood, NY

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