The new RDA: resource description in libraries and beyond / Gordon Dunsire

Description

This document discusses the new RDA (Resource Description and Access), which provides data elements, guidelines and instructions for creating metadata for library and cultural heritage resources. Key points:

- The RDA Toolkit provides user-focused elements, guidelines and instructions. The RDA Registry provides infrastructure for well-formed, linked RDA data applications.

- There are now 13 entities and over 1700 elements in RDA. Elements are now the main unit of focus and have standard structure/layout.

- Recording methods have been extended to all elements and now make the linked data method explicit. Instructions are now more optional to accommodate local practice.

- Effective description requires choosing appropriate entities and elements based on an application profile