The Library of Congress
implementation date of March 31, 2013, for the new Resource Description and
Access (RDA) cataloging standards has come and gone. Also effective on this date was OCLC’s new
policy statement regarding RDA (https://www.oclc.org/en-US/rda/new-policy.html).
So what does this mean for you? First, rest assured that no library will be
required to do original cataloging in RDA. Each library will have to determine
an RDA implementation timeline, along with how to incorporate this new type of
record into the current catalog database. Some libraries may want to keep the
old AACR2 format for existing records entirely, while others may choose to add
select RDA elements, thus creating hybrid records.
RDA records are out there and more are on the way. These records may affect
search paths and item display in the OPAC, so waiting too long to decide on a
plan of action may have far-reaching effects. Here are a few proactive
suggestions:
- Contact your ILS provider to see if they will offer
upgrades regarding RDA records.
- If your library purchases MARC records from outside
agencies (including Midwest Tape), reach out to them to make your plans
and needs known.
In order for us to best serve you,
we need to know your implementation plans. Some of the things we will need to
know are:
- Your ILS vendor
- If you plan on implementing RDA gradually, all at once,
or not at all
- What accommodations do you require for RDA
implementation?
- What adjustments have you had to make (if any) for the
increase of RDA records for books?
Let us know your general plans in
the comments section below. As the implementation date approaches and your
plans solidify, keep us informed, provide feedback, and ask questions by
posting to our blog.
The U.S. Library of Congress has announced an implementation date of March 31, 2013 for the new Resource Description and Access (RDA) cataloging standards. 1 This long lead time is meant to ensure all appropriate library staff have time to properly and completely train for the new standards. OCLC has published a discussion paper outlining their intentions for incorporating RDA into their WorldCat database ( http://www.oclc.org/us/en/rda/discussion.htm). At the ALA Conference in June, Glenn Patton, Director of WorldCat Quality Management, announced that OCLC’s plan to globally remove GMDs has been put on indefinite hold in response to feedback gathered after the release of the discussion paper.
The new rules will allow for better access to materials by patrons and eliminate the print bias of the current standards. So what does this mean for you? First, rest assured that no library will be required to do original cataloging in RDA. Each library will have to determine an RDA implementation timeline, along with how to incorporate this new type of record into the current catalog database. Some libraries may want to keep the old AACR2 format for existing records entirely, while others may choose to add select RDA elements, thus creating hybrid records.
RDA records are out there, and with the Library of Congress starting to catalog using RDA this summer, more are on the way. These records will affect search paths and item display in the OPAC, so waiting too long to decide on a plan of action may have far-reaching effects. Here are a few proactive suggestions:
- Contact your ILS provider to see if they will offer upgrades regarding RDA records.
- If your library purchases MARC records from outside agencies (including Midwest Tape), reach out to them to make your plans and needs known.
In order for us to best serve you, we need to know your implementation plans. Some of the things we will need to know are:
- Your ILS vendor
- If you plan on implementing RDA gradually, all at once, or not at all
- What accommodations do you require for RDA implementation?
- What adjustments have you had to make (if any) for the increase of RDA records for books?
Let us know your general plans in the comments section below. As the implementation date approaches and your plans solidify, keep us informed, provide feedback, and ask questions by posting to our blog.
1 http://www.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/news_rda_implementation_date.html
Written by Kristen Zenz
Over the past two centuries, library cataloging has moved from book to card to Online Public Access Catalogs. Now, as we start a new year, cataloging standards might see a change once again. Say hello to Resource Description and Access (RDA). Created by the Joint Steering Committee (JSC), RDA intends to make library collections more logically organized and easier to scour. However, as the new cataloging method goes through testing, mixed reviews are starting to form.
What is RDA?
The JSC created RDA from a combination of cataloging methods, like Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD). Integrated with FRAD and FRBR, this new standard will support the clustering of bibliographic records to show relationships between different works. 1
Created to replace the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd Edition (AACR2), RDA goes beyond previous standards, providing a new guideline for cataloging digital resources. It also places a stronger emphasis on helping users find, identify, select, and obtain information they want with an interface that resembles modern-day search engines. 1
AACR2 vs. RDA
Developed in 1978, AACR2 was created for an environment dominated by the card catalog. Because of this, it is not as capable of handling metadata from an influx of digital resources or linking metadata from multiple formats like hardcover and print books and abridged and unabridged audiobooks. In order to resolve this problem, the JSC has coded RDA to gather information in a significantly different manner.
According to AACR2 rules, cataloging occurs from physical items. RDA, on the other hand, is capable of gathering and inferring information from a plethora of digital and external resources. This new method hopes to improve the workflow and performance of catalogers, as metadata can be gathered from a wider set of sources. Despite the differing information-gathering processes, there is little variation when comparing MARC records created by the two cataloging methods. For example, here is how a MARC record will look using RDA compared to AACR2:
As you can see, some specific punctuation marks are transcribed to RDA just as they appear on the source. Click here for more comparisons of MARC records created by AACR2 and RDA.
Usability and Functionality
Catalogers in libraries and other communities can use RDA. This creates a solid alignment between RDA and the metadata used by archives, museums, publishers, educators, book dealers, and ILS vendors, and supports data sharing across metadata communities.1 As a result, catalogers can cluster bibliographic records to express different formats, abridgments, translations, and editions. The more communities share, the easier it is to search and find.
Additionally, there is no communication standard associated with RDA. Users will be able to use RDA content with a slew of encoding schemas, like MARC21, MODS, and Dublin Core. And there will be no need to re-catalog older records. 2 Descriptions produced using RDA instructions are intended to be compatible with the large number of already existing AACR2 records. 3
But with little change, catalogers are arguing that there is no point in replacing the standard. On the blog Cataloging Futures, Christine Schwartz expresses concern that “the new headings being used to test bibliographic records (when there is already an established AACR2 form) will cause a lot of conflict and, if RDA is implemented, a lot of authority changes will need to happen in local systems.” 4
What does this mean for libraries?
Currently, select libraries and organizations, along with the Library of Congress, National Library of Medicine, and the National Agricultural Library, are testing RDA to make sure the new method will cohesively blend with prior records. If all goes well, the JSC expects an official release date in April of 2011. 5 Libraries will have a choice in whether they adopt the new method into their workflows, but if your library obtains bibliographic records from an entity that accepts RDA, you will have to choose between switching to RDA to get your records, converting RDA back to AACR2, or having a mixed catalog.
However, as Galen Charlton commented on the Metadata Matters blog post “Irresistible Apology of the Day,” there could be trouble if some literary institutions do not adopt RDA. The library software programmer noted that the “large divide between academic, national, and public libraries could easily grow and stifle any true innovation in library metadata and management.” 6
As systems change, workflows will need to be updated. The new process is principle-based rather than case-based, so users will not need to learn specific rules. Instead, they will have to apply judgments based on a set of new standards. In preparation for the switch, the Library of Congress has made training materials available via their website.
If your library is planning to make the switch to RDA, start looking at your budget. Initially, the RDA toolkit will cost $325 annually for the first user with more fees for additional users. Unlike AACR2, this is a continuing cost based on access. Click here for more pricing information. 7
Is your library participating in RDA testing? How do you feel about the new cataloging method? Do you think it will be as effective if only a number of libraries adopt the format? Share your thoughts and opinions here as comments.
More Information
http://www.rda-jsc.org/rda.html
http://www.rdatoolkit.org/faq
http://www.minitex.umn.edu/Cataloging/RDANo2.pdf
1 http://www.rdatoolkit.org/faq#WhatisRDA
2 http://www.rda-jsc.org/docs/rdabrochureJanuary2010.pdf
3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resource_Description_and_Access
4 http://www.catalogingfutures.com/catalogingfutures/2010/12/rda-test-oclc-and-the-opposing-petition.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+catalogingfutures%2FnWrX+%28Cataloging+Futures%29
5 http://www.loc.gov/bibliographic-future/rda/
6 http://managemetadata.org/blog/2011/01/09/irresistible-apology-of-the-day/
7 http://connect.ala.org/node/92572
Written by Kristen Zenz
In this SmartCart series, you learned the basics of SmartCart, how to customize your cart with columns, and how to modify carts and products. Now we approach the final installment, where you will learn how to integrate Midwest Tape’s Workflow Solutions into your shopping experience.
How do I input instructions for individual titles?
Follow the directions below to add notes to your order. These notes are only for your benefit. They will show up on your invoice, but they will not affect processing done by Midwest Tape.
1.) Under the Instructions tab, you can specify details for line item, spine label, call number, processing notes, and internal notes. These notes apply to individual titles.
2.) You can also adjust Quantities, Branch Distributions, and fund amounts under the Quantity tab.
Note: If you wish to sign up for our customized processing service, fill out our workflow solutions brochure or call 800.875.2785 to speak to a customer service representative.
What if I need to add the same information for a group of titles?
With Midwest Tape’s SmartCart you can add instructions for multiple titles with Mass Edit Instructions.
1.) Check the corresponding box to the left of the title.
2.) Select Mass Edit Instructions from the Products dropdown menu.
3.) Check the fields you wish to edit and fill in the instructions. These new instructions will overwrite existing instructions.
4.) Click the radio button “all items in the cart” or “all just the selected items” and then update to change the instructions.
5.) From the Products menu, you can also Set Funds as well as Set Branch Distributions for multiple items.
How do I download cataloging records?
SmartCart allows you to download Vendor Records (free) and MARC on the Spot Records ($1.20/title) directly from our site.
1.) Click Download in the command toolbar.
2.) Select between Vendor and MARC on the Spot records.
3.) If you are not set-up to download MARC Records, you will be prompted to fill out a Full OCLC Acceptance Form.
4.) Check out our additional guides on how to download MARC on the Spot and Vendor MARC Records.
This concludes our SmartCart blog series, but be sure to look for our upcoming SmartCart video tutorial. In the meantime, play around with SmartCart and share your thoughts and experiences here as comments.
In a recent Publishers Weekly article, Accurate Metadata Sells Books, Calvin Reid explains that with so much information floating around it is hard to tell what product information is current and what is out of date. Enter metadata! As Reid explains, accurate metadata is absolutely crucial for the success in publishing.
Andrew Savikas, vice president of digital initiatives at O'Reilly Media, supports Reid, explaining that publishers are faced with the challenge of making sure data is accurate throughout a growing number of book formats as well as an increasing number of retail and distribution channels."It's a constant struggle to get it right," Savikas says, "but it's critical to have reliable metadata.” 1
This necessity for correct metadata isn’t just for the publishing industry, though. Just as accurate metadata is essential for conducting business in the commercial realm, so is it for successfully circulating materials in libraries.
What is metadata?
Metadata is descriptive data that provides information about inventoried items, like media. Examples include a product’s title, author, ISBN, pricing, publisher name, reviews, and cover images.
Why is metadata important?
Gathered from a wide variety of sources—vendor catalogs, third party websites, product packaging–metadata aids accurate searching, cataloging, and shelving. 2 Essentially, metadata are details, and details are what ensure the organized housing of information, whether print, audio, video, or digital media, in the public library domain.
How does Midwest Tape respond to bad metadata?
Due to detailed workflow processes, Midwest Tape usually doesn’t experience inaccurate metadata. However, sometimes we receive incorrect information or varied details from different sources, which can make it difficult to gauge what is truly accurate.
Therefore, all of our products go through a thorough verification process. When a product first arrives in our warehouse, we crosscheck our initial data with the information on the physical packaging. If we notice a discrepancy, we research the product—consulting additional web sources, contacting vendors, and reviewing product content—to produce more accurate inventory details and cataloging records.
Additionally, we have business relationships directly with CD vendors, audiobook publishers, and DVD media houses that provide us access to a constant and up-to-the-minute stream of information. Through frequent inventory updates, we strive to provide you the most accurate information possible. Consequently, our precise data makes it easy for you, and your library, to organize materials and to help your patrons quickly find exactly what they seek.
Occasionally, though, products with inaccurate metadata do reach libraries. If your library feels they’ve encountered incorrect data, please contact our customer service department at 1.800.875.2785. We will work with you to resolve the discrepancy.
A major benefit of our detailed information is that it allows us to offer you robust vendor records that you can download for free directly from the Midwest Tape website at any time. For more information about our cataloging options, call 1.800.875.2785 or peruse our workflow solutions brochure.
1http://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publishing-and-marketing/article/43740-accurate-metadata-sells-books.html
2 http://www.niso.org/publications/press/UnderstandingMetadata.pdf
Every library’s processes are structured differently. Therefore, Midwest Tape provides our customers with an experienced team of specialists eager to aid libraries in developing the best solutions to fit their specific workflows. From shrink wrap removal to full processing and cataloging, Midwest Tape helps libraries improve workflows and increase efficiencies, ensuring product gets on shelves faster.
Midwest Tape’s Workflow Solutions team offers services in processing, cataloging, and opening day collections development:
Processing/VIP
Our exclusive Variable Integrated Processing (VIP) program uses digital imaging technology to generate product artwork incorporating all of your labels, perfectly placed every time.
The VIP program offers libraries:
- Specific customization
- Branded and attractive appearance
- Money-saving solutions for outsourced label costs (no stickers)
- Perfect label placement every time
- Theft deterrent
- Versatility for changing needs
- High quality digital images
Cataloging
Midwest Tape offers four types of MARC records to simplify workflows:
- Vendor Records—suitable for initial cataloging and ordering
- MARC on the Spot
- Full Records
- Customized Records
We can deliver the records via email, FTP, or direct download from our website.
Opening Day Collections
Creating a comprehensive collection of audiovisual materials for a new library or branch can be a daunting task. To ensure libraries get started on the right foot, our collection development specialists work with selectors to build a list of the best materials for the new branch or library system.
We provide complete cataloging, processing, and delivery to fit each library’s specifications.
To learn more about Workflow Solutions, start the setup process, or view samples, download our no-obligation Workflow Solutions brochure. You can also learn more by clicking the “Workflow Solutions” link under “SERVICES” on our homepage, contacting Customer Service at 1.800.875.2785, or posting your questions here as comments.
We're changing the names of our “Unedited” records to “Full” and our “Brief” records to “Vendor.” Our customers already identify with these terms; therefore, this change will ensure our verbiage better correlates with library terminology. We are currently in the process of updating our web and print materials to reflect this name change. If you have any questions regarding cataloging or the new MARC Record names, please contact Customer Service at 1.800.875.2785. Additionally, you can share your thoughts and feedback here as comments.
Midwest Tape now offers our customers the ability to view Vendor records on our website by clicking the icon:
A preview of the Vendor Record, complete with your preset 9xx Order Record Tags, will open in a separate window. We developed this feature based on feedback that some libraries do not have the software necessary to preview our free Vendor records prior to loading them.
How does this new Midwest Tape feature aid you in your cataloging efforts? Share your thoughts with other librarians by posting them here as comments.
If you have any questions about how to use this new feature, please contact Customer Service at 1.800.875.2785.
The Blu-ray Disc™ versions of Gran Torino, Snow White, 17 Again, Hannah Montana: The Movie, and an array of Disney titles all come with a DVD version of the film within their Blu-ray packaging (some for only a limited time). We understand that these alternative packaging schemes (i.e., Blu-ray “Combo Packs”) can disrupt normal processing and cataloging workflows. Therefore, we’d love to hear your feedback, particularly to the following two questions:
How do you deal with Blu-ray Combo Packs within your library?
Would you wait to order the Blu-ray version of a title if you knew it would be available later without the additional DVD?
Please include the question(s) you're responding to as well as your contact information in your comment. Thanks.
|
Contact Us