The RDA Workbook: Learning the Basics of Resource Description and Access

Whether a library catalogs its own materials or not, librarians still need to have some understanding of RDA. Designed to be used by academic, public, and school librarians, this is the perfect introduction. RDA (Resource Description and Access) was released in March 2013 and catalogers are busy trying to understand and implement the new protocols. This book will help. Unlike the RDA training materials prepared for seasoned catalogers by the Library of Congress and others, the The RDA Workbook: Learning the Basics of Resource Description and Access uses tried-and-true methods to make RDA clear even to those who have little or no previous cataloging knowledge. The workbook can be used by an individual or to teach others in staff training sessions, presentations, or LIS courses. It discusses the theoretical framework of the cataloging code; details the steps necessary to create a bibliographic for books, videos, and other formats; and shows librarians how to read and interrupt authority records for persons, families, corporate bodies, works, and expressions. Finally, the workbook suggests strategies for implementing RDA.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Acronyms Chapter 1: FRBR, the Framework behind RDA Melissa Moll Chapter 2: RDA in the Real World: Preparing Bibliographic Records Corinne Jacox, Margaret Mering, Melissa Moll, Emily Dust Nimsakont, and Deirdre Routt Chapter 3: Creating Access Points and Understanding Authority Records Margaret Mering Chapter 4: Implementing RDA into Your Library and Catalog Casey Kralik Answers to Mini Exercises Answers to Exercises Glossary Manifestations Cited Useful Resources Index

About the Author :
Margaret Mering, MLS, is the coordinator of cataloging and professor of libraries at the University of Nebraska.

Review :
It gives the basics on RDA and provides a solid foundation. For those wondering where to start, The RDA Workbook is an excellent first step. If you are new to the cataloging field or just beginning to implement RDA into your catalog records, this book is for you. . . . A useful, engaging, and well-­written book that is recommended to catalogers and staff in all libraries and cataloging instructors and their students. [T]here have been very few works that both make a concerted effort to guide catalogers to a clear understanding of the rules and the underlying theory, and that offer practical steps in creating RDA records. With The RDA Workbook, Mering and her colleagues have taken the first steps toward rectifying this deficiency . . . [They] have provided a useful introduction to RDA. . . . This book is best viewed as an entry point, and Mering is very clear about this; it is meant for a general audience, and only gives a very basic outline of what RDA is and how it is to be used. The RDA Workbook is highly recommended for its coverage and approach, which facilitate teaching and learning the features and application of RDA as well as its implementation.