RDA – An Opportunity for Library and Archive Collaboration

Abstract

RDA (Resource Description & Access) is a new cataloging standard that has been implemented in libraries in several countries over the world. It is based on the conceptual model FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographical Records) and its rules have been influenced by archival descriptive rules. Thus RDA provides an opportunity for collaboration between archives and libraries. Umeå University Library is currently running the project RDA – An Opportunity for Archive and Library Collaboration, with support from Lund University Library, the National Library of Sweden and the National Archives. The aim of this project is to explore how RDA can be applied on archival materials and how FRBR entities can be related to aforementioned materials. RIMMF (RDA in Many Metadata Formats) is a cataloging training tool and has been used to visualize RDA and FRBR. RDA Toolkit has been used as a support tool in the cataloging process. Different models for applying RDA on archival materials have been developed in the project. The models have separate advantages and disadvantages, for example when it comes to creating searchability and to link archival materials with published materials. Using RDA brings possibilities to create linked data useful for archives, libraries and other interested parties. RDA has the potential to work as a standard for describing both archival and bibliographic materials.