Cataloging with RDA and Other Content Standards

Resource Description and Access (RDA) is the primary cataloging content standard for libraries and cultural heritage institutions in North America and elsewhere. However, access to RDA via RDA Toolkit and the training necessary to use RDA can vary significantly from institution to institution. This session explores the complexities surrounding access to RDA and other content standards, barriers to RDA implementation, the challenges presented by the intended transition from original RDA to official RDA, the effects these issues have on catalogers, and ways in which these topics can be addressed in LIS education. The session begins with Sonia Archer-Capuzzo’s presentation of a recent study of catalogers in North Carolina and the barriers they encountered to using RDA and transitioning to official RDA. The speakers explore the following key areas: 1) analyzing RDA access barriers, including those that disproportionately affect many types of libraries (e.g., small public libraries) and librarians (e.g., those without a recent MLIS or similar degree); 2) evaluating RDA implementation barriers, including training challenges and the lack of true multilingual accessibility to RDA; 3) navigating standards behind a paywall, including practical budgetary workarounds to using RDA and/or leveraging open-access resources, consortia agreements, and other institutional subscriptions, as well as ethical considerations related to access and copyright; 4) exploring alternative cataloging standards in order to broaden understanding of the cataloging landscape and identify alternative tools; 5) leveraging professional networks to provide support, mentorship, and information sharing; and 6) how these issues should be incorporated into cataloging and metadata courses.