Metadata Update #11 : Identifying RDA records
In some of the original training materials we used at the University Library to learn about RDA for copy cataloguing, the instructions were to look for an "i" in the 17th position in MARC leaders. In looking at records, the cataloguers have been finding out that there is something wrong with these instructions. After doing a little digging around, it turns out that these are the instructions that cataloguers have been given if they want to contribute RDA records to WorldCat: Catalogers may contribute original cataloging using RDA to WorldCat if desired. (040 $e with value rda and Leader/18 (Desc) coded i if ISBD punctuation is used or blank if not). So, there are a few points: The leader position is 18 not 17 We are looking for either an "i" or a blank. If there is an "a". That would indicate AACR2 coding The 040 subfield "e" should be used in concert with leader coding to identify RDA records So, it looks like we are makin