Note: We won't be editing RDA records at this point, merely accepting them for copy. These guidelines are useful in matching records that may look very strange compared to what we're used to seeing. If you have any questions, ask the e-resources/media cataloger.
General RDA Guidelines
- Fewer abbreviations; what were formerly abbreviations are now spelled out UNLESS the abbreviation is transcribed.
Exceptions- mono and stereo are no longer considered abbreviations
- p and c are no longer valid preceding the date; instead, you'll see ℗ or © (or spelled out phonogram, copyright)
- abbreviations of measurements (cm, in., min., sec., etc) are still allowed.
- Music related numbers (i.e. op., n., no, no., Nr., etc) are left abbreviated.
- When there is no publisher information, the records will say [Place of publication not identified] and/or [Publisher not identified].
- Dates might look very funny. You might see phrases like "not before" or "not after," or "between YYYY and YYYY].
- In general, whenever more than one person or body is responsible for a work, only the first is required in the record. Alternatively, all persons will be listed.
- If only the first of many is listed, that name will be followed by [and ## others].
- Not all persons listed need to be traced.
- Traced names do not need to be justified in the record.
- Parallel titles can come from anywhere on the item.
- RDA refers to "authorized access points" rather than "main entry." For now, I'm just using "main entry" just to keep things "simple."
- In general, there is a lot more room for cataloger's judgement; a variety of cataloging choices will be correct according to the rules. There will be a lot you just have to accept as is.
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