Describing Electronic, Digital, and Other Media Using AACR2 and RDA: A How-To-Do-It Manual and CD-ROM for Librarians

Abstract

Describing Electronic, Digital, and Other Media Using AACR2 and RDA is a new soft-cover manual geared for catalogers transitioning into using the new resource description and access (RDA). It is one of Neal-Schuman's How-To-Do-It Manuals and focuses on cataloging electronic, Internet, and other emerging resources, such as streaming audio and video. In the preface of this book, the authors clearly stated their goal for writing this manual: To provide a source of information and ideas for catalogers who are charged with creating descriptive records in the rapidly changing environment of resource description for digital and nontangible formats…to ease the transition from Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second Edition (AACR2) to Resource Description and Access (RDA) as a practical, flexible tool by introducing the concepts behind the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and by offering guided, step-by-step instructions for the creation of descriptive records based on its principles. Intended primarily for individuals who are familiar with resource description according to Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, Second Revised Edition (AACR2R), integrated library systems (ILSs), and applying and interpreting Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings, this manual is also appropriate for librarians, library assistants, and those individuals who are new to resource description but who may benefit from a cursory understanding of AACR2 as an important link to RDA. (p. xiii) The introduction contains an overview of the changes to the resource landscape as influenced by the digital age; discussion about the functional requirements for bibliographic records (FRBR), which serves as the foundation for RDA; and RDA organization, terminology, and key concepts. RDA is now the new standard for describing resources and access, and it is expected to replace the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, second revised edition (AACR2). Chapter 1 provides “Essential Background” as it examines the core elements of resource description for nonbook resources. Chapters 2 through 8 “address carrier-specific resource description: cartographic resources sound recordings videos electronic resources electronic integrating resources microforms multimedia kits and mixed materials Each chapter begins with an overview of important considerations regarding specific media and carrier types, followed by an outline of the elements that may be included in resource description for the format” (p. xv). These seven chapters follow the RDA and AACR2 guidelines for bibliographic description. The examples provided are in Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) format, Metadata for Object Description (MODS) schema, and Dublin Core (DC). A wealth of information supplementing the main text is found in the accompanying CD-ROM. It elucidates resource description from AACR2 to RDA in a straightforward comparison showing the changes in descriptive cataloging. It also provides links to useful documentation and information. A website for current resources on RDA and cataloging addresses changes to RDA as they emerge. Cataloging templates included in the CD-ROM help to simplify the cataloging process. Links to the authors' email addresses allow readers to contact them with questions and/or feedback. This reviewer was a cataloger in the AACR2 era before becoming a medical librarian. This manual, the latest update to Cataloging Nonprint and Internet Resources (2002), provided the information needed to appreciate the application of the new cataloging rules. The authors should be commended for devoting an entire, detailed chapter to explaining the elements of resource description, new terminologies, significance of certain codes, and technical data that need to be identified. The abundance of examples and sample descriptive records in various formats in three metadata schemes—MARC, MODS, and DC—make this manual very user friendly. In addition, the inclusion of the algorithms and flowcharts gives a visual picture of the relationships of the entities. The ample spaces on the side of the pages are useful for a cataloger's remarks and additional pencil notes. It would have made the guide impeccable had the authors of Describing Electronic, Digital, and Other Media Using AACR and RDA included some standard categories of resources, like printed music and globes. Nevertheless, the authors, who are also expert catalogers, brought years of experience and skills into writing this manual. They have succeeded in producing a very valuable cataloging tool that may remain in the cataloging section until the next significant change. Their contribution will certainly be appreciated. This manual is highly recommended for any cataloger who wants an easy-to-understand and readily accessible guide.