Twelve Concepts to Keep in Mind

I. Remember the user tasks

II. “Take what you see”
III. Element-based description
IV. Group 1 FRBR entities: Work -- Expression -- Manifestation --
Item
V. Core, “Core if”, and LC Core
VI. Alternatives and options
VII. Fewer abbreviations
VIII. Relationships, Relationships, Relationships
IX. No more general material designators
X. No more rule of three
XI. Expansion of sources
XII. Building blocks for the future
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 Identifying RDA Records

• Leader/18 contains
the value “i” (ISBD
punctuation
included)

• 040 $e contains the

code “rda”

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 Sources

• Preferred source: source of title proper

• More sources for information

• Whole resource, with priority order
• Then any other source

• Brackets if from outside the resource

• Three categories (RDA 2.2.2.2 – 2.2.2.4)

• Pages, leaves, etc., or images of pages …
• Moving images
• All other resources

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 Sources:
Resources with Pages, Leaves, etc.
• (or images of pages, leaves, etc.)
• RDA 2.2.2.2 priority order:
• Title page, title sheet, etc.
• Cover
• Caption
• Masthead
• Colophon
• If none of these, source containing title
• If no title, source with formal presentation
• Exception for microform or digital resource
• Eye-readable label

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 Sources: Resources Issued in
More Than One Part
• e.g., serials, multiparts, integrating resources,
kits
• RDA 2.1.2.3
• If sequentially numbered, use the lowest-numbered
issue or part available
• If unnumbered or not sequentially numbered, use the
issue or part with the earliest date of issue
• If the concept of sequential numbering is not
appropriate (e.g., for a kit), use the resource as a
whole; if this is not possible, generally determine the
main part

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 Sources:
Moving-Image Resources
• Typically contained in carriers such as film, DVD, etc.
• Generally, where the title appears
• RDA 2.2.2.3 priority order
• Title frames or title screens
• Label permanently printed on or affixed to the resource
(excluding accompanying textual material or a container)
• embedded metadata in textual form containing a title
• source with formal presentation
• Alternative: use label, skip title frames

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 Sources:
Other Resources
• RDA 2.2.2.4 priority order
• Label
• Embedded metadata in textual form containing a
title
• If neither of the above is appropriate, use a source
where the data is formally presented

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 Sources:
Other Sources of Information
• RDA 2.2.4 priority order
• Accompanying materials
• Container not issued as part of the resource
• Other published descriptions
• Any other source (e.g., a reference source that
indicates how the resource is commonly known)

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 Transcription: ‘Take What You See and Accept What You Get’

• ICP Principle of Representation

• Generally, do not alter what is on the resource
• Accurate representation
• Encourage re-use of found data

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Transcription: ‘Take What You See and Accept What You Get’

• What does this mean for you?

• Alternatives at RDA 1.7.1 allow for in-house

guidelines for capitalization, punctuation,
numerals, symbols, abbreviations, etc. (in lieu of
RDA instructions)
• LCPS 1.7.1
• General guidelines on transcription
• LC policy generally adheres to “Take What You See and
Accept What You Get.”

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 Transcription:
Capitalization
• RDA 1.7.2
• “Apply the instructions on capitalization found in
Appendix A.”
• LCPS 1.7.1 First Alternative
• “For capitalization of transcribed elements, either
“take what you see” on the resource or follow
[Appendix] A.”

• Your choice!

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