National Library of Australia guidelines on the application of RDA
As a minimum the National Library of Australia follows Libraries Australia guidelines such as the Required data elements for bibliographic records and the manuals available at Manuals, guidelines & user guides
This document includes additional requirements for resource descriptions created by the National Library of Australia. These guidelines are provisional and will be revised as needed. Some guidelines have workload implications and these will be re-evaluated after implementation when we have sufficient experience in using them.
Wherever possible the JSC national libraries (the National Library of Australia, the Library of Congress, British Library, the Deutsche Nationalbibliothek and Library and Archives Canada) have agreed on which Alternatives, Optional additions, and Optional omissionsto follow and have also agreed on additional Core elements to use in our records.
Instruction numbers are followed by an indication of whether the information applies to an Alternative, Optional addition, Optional omission, or if the element is Core or Core for the National Library of Australia. Additional information following a Core designation highlights guidance from RDA. Additional information following an Alternative, Optional addition, Optional omissionorCore for the NLA designation is local guidance.
Chapter 0: Introduction
There are no NLA guidelines for this chapter.
Chapter 1: General Guidelines on Recording Attributes of Manifestations and Items
1.4 Language and Script
Alternative
Apply. Where language expertise is available to record script, follow optional addition.
1.4 Language and Script
Optional Addition
Apply where language expertise is available, with the script form being recorded in 880 fields.
1.4 Language and Script
Exception. Alternative
Do not apply.
1.7.1 General Guidelines on Transcription
Alternative 1stparagraph
Do not apply. Not applicable as no in-house guidelines have been developed.
1.7.1 General Guidelines on Transcription
Alternative 2ndparagraph
Apply. Accept data derived from digital sources.
1.7.4 Diacritical Marks
Optional Addition
Generally, do not apply.
1.8.1 Numbers Expressed as Numerals or as Words
Alternative
Apply.
1.8.2 Form of Numerals
Alternative 1stparagraph
Apply.
1.8.2 Form of Numerals
Alternative 2ndparagraph
Generally, do not apply. If considered important for identification or access, record the form in which the numerals appear on the source in a note.
1.10.2 Capitalization
Alternative 1stparagraph
Do not apply. Use appendix A.
1.10.2 Capitalization
Alternative 2ndparagraph
Apply the alternative and accept data derived from digital sources. Cataloguers are permitted (though not required) to make the capitalization conform to Appendix A.
Chapter 2: Identifying Manifestations and Items
2.2.2.2 Resources Consisting of One or More Pages, Leaves, Sheets, or Cards (or Images of One or More Pages, Leaves, Sheets, or Cards)
Alternative
Do not apply, unless the title page or image of the title page cannot be viewed.
2.2.2.3 Resources Consisting of Moving Images
Alternative
Do not apply, unless the title page or image of the title page cannot be viewed.
2.3.1.4 Recording Titles
Optional Omission
Generally do not abridge a title.
2.3.1.6 Introductory Words, Etc.
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.3.2 Title proper
Core
2.3.2.6 Collective Title and Titles of Individual Contents
1st Optional Addition
Apply cataloguer’s judgement. Record titles or author/titles in a structured description. Consider adding an authorised access point.
2.3.2.6 Collective Title and Titles of Individual Contents
2nd Optional Addition
Apply to provide an authorised access point for the series.
2.3.2.9 Resource Lacking a Collective Title
Alternative
Generally do not apply. Apply the alternative for picture and manuscript collections lacking a collective title.
2.3.2.11 Recording Devised Titles
Alternative
Do not apply. Where possible, devise a title in the language and script appropriate to the resource, and add an English-language or transliterated parallel title if required to clarify the meaning.
2.3.2.11.3 Devised Titles for Moving Image Resources
Alternative
Apply cataloguer’s judgement.
2.3.3 Parallel title proper
Core for NLA
2.3.4 Other title information
Core for NLA
2.3.6 Variant title
Core for NLA
Record variant titles covered by 2.3.6.1 categories a-f. For Category g use cataloguer’s judgement.
2.3.7 Earlier title proper
Core for NLA
2.3.7.3 Recording Earlier Titles Proper
Alternative
Apply.
2.3.8Later title proper
Core for NLA
2.3.8.3 Recording Later Titles Proper
Alternative
Apply.
2.3.9 Key title
Core for NLA
Core if needed in conjunction with ISSN assignment.
2.4.1.4 Recording Statements of Responsibility
Optional Omission
Generally, do not abridge a statement of responsibility.
2.4.1.5 Statement Naming More Than One Person, Etc.
Optional Omission
Generally, do not omit names from a statement of responsibility. Follow the LC-PCC PS.
2.4.2 Statement of responsibility relating to title proper
Core for NLA
Record all statements. Some cataloguer judgement may be required for a large number of statements. The workload implications will be evaluated.
2.5.2 Designation of edition
Core for NLA
2.5.6 Designation of a named revision of an edition
Core for NLA
2.6.2 Numeric and/or alphabetic designation of first issue or part of sequence
Core for NLA
The first or only sequence is core.
2.6.2.3 Recording Numeric and/or Alphabetic Designation of First Issue or Part of Sequence
Alternative
Do not apply.
2.6.3 Chronological designation of first issue or part of sequence
Core for NLA
The first or only sequence is core.
2.6.3.3 Recording Chronological Designation of First Issue or Part of Sequence
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.6.3.3 Recording Chronological Designation of First Issue or Part of Sequence
Alternative
Do not apply.
2.6.4Numeric … of last issue or part of sequence
Core for NLA
The last or only sequence is core.
2.6.4.3 Recording Numeric and/or Alphabetic Designation of Last Issue or Part of Sequence
Alternative
Do not apply.
2.6.5 Chronological … of last issue or part of sequence
Core for NLA
The last or only sequence is core.
2.6.5.3 Recording Chronological Designation of Last Issue or Part of Sequence
Alternative
Do not apply.
2.7.1.4 Recording Production Statements
Optional Omission
Generally, do not omit levels in a corporate hierarchy.
2.7.1.5.1 Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.7.1.5.2 Serials
Alternative
Apply. Note that the alternative applies to all productions statements, i.e. to both place of production and producer.
2.7.1.5.3 Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.7.2.3 Recording Place of Production
Optional Addition 1stParagraph
Do not apply.
2.7.2.3 Recording Place of Production
Optional Addition 2ndParagraph
Apply.
2.7.4.4 Statement of Function
Optional Addition
Apply only if considered important for identification or access.
2.7.6 Date of production
Core
Core for resources issued in an unpublished form.
2.7.6.3 Recording Date of Production
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.7.6.4 Chronograms
Optional Addition
Do not apply. Instead apply the alternative.
2.7.6.4 Chronograms
Alternative
Apply. Make a note giving the chronogram.
2.7.6.7 Archival Resources and Collections
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.8.1.4 Recording Publication Statements
Optional Omission
Generally, do not omit levels in corporate hierarchy.
2.8.1.5.1 Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.8.1.5.2 Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.8.1.5.3 Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.8.2 Place of publication
Core
If more than one, only the first recorded is required. Follow the LC-PCC PS and also give the current place for multipart monographs and serials if it differs.
2.8.2.3 Recording Place of Publication
Optional Addition
Do not apply.
2.8.4 Publisher’s name
Core
If more than one, only the first recorded is required. Also give current name if it differs.
2.8.4.4 Statement of Function
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for identification or access.
2.8.6 Date of publication
Core
2.8.6.3 Recording Date of Production
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.8.6.4 Chronograms
Optional Addition
Do not apply. Instead apply the alternative.
2.8.6.4 Chronograms
Alternative
Apply. Make a note giving the chronogram.
2.9.1.4 Recording Distribution Statements
Optional Omission
Generally, do not omit levels in a corporate hierarchy.
2.9.1.5.1 Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.9.1.5.2 Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.9.1.5.3 Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.9.2 Place of distribution
Core
For a published resource, if place of publication is not identified; if more than one, only the first recorded is required.
Also record in addition to the place of the publisher, if considered significant (e.g. distributed in Australia before 1900, but published outside Australia).
Follow the LC-PCC PS for 2.9.
2.9.2.3 Recording Place of Distribution
Optional Addition
Do not apply.
2.9.4 Distributor’s name
Core
For a published resource, if publisher is not identified; if more than one, only the first recorded is required.
Also record in addition to the name of the publisher, if considered significant (e.g. distributed in Australia before 1900, but published outside Australia).
Follow the LC-PCC PS for 2.9.
2.9.4.4 Statement of Function
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for identification or access.
2.9.6 Date of distribution
Core
For a published resource, if the date of publication is not identified. Follow the LC-PCC PS for 2.9.
2.9.6.3 Recording Date of Distribution
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.9.6.4 Chronograms
Optional Addition
Do not apply. Instead, apply the alternative.
2.9.6.4 Chronograms
Alternative
Apply. Make a note giving the chronogram.
2.10.1.4 Recording Manufacture Statements
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for identification or access.
2.10.1.4 Recording Manufacture Statements
Optional Omission.
Generally, do not omit levels in a corporate hierarchy.
2.10.1.5.1 Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.10.1.5.2 Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.10.1.5.3 Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.10.2 Place of manufacture
Core
For a published resource, if neither place of publication nor place of distribution is identified; if more than one, only the first recorded is required.
Also record in addition to the place of the publisher, if considered significant (e.g. manufactured in Australia before 1900, but published outside Australia).
Follow the LC-PCC PS for 2.10.
2.10.2.3 Recording Place of Manufacture
Optional Addition
Do not apply.
2.10.4.4 Statement of Function
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for identification or access.
2.10.6 Date of manufacture
Core
For a published resource, if neither the date of publication, date of distribution, nor copyright date is identified.
Follow LC-PCC PS for 2.10
2.10.6.3 Recording Date of Manufacture
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.10.6.4 Chronograms
Optional Addition
Do not apply. Instead, apply the alternative.
2.10.6.4 Chronograms
Alternative
Apply. Make a note giving the chronogram.
2.10.6.7 Archival Resources and Collections
Optional Addition
Apply.
2.11Copyright date
Core for NLA
Core for all monographs (to manage rights and access).
2.11.1.3 Recording Copyright Dates
Optional Addition
Generally, do not apply.
2.12.2 Title proper of series
Core
2.12.8 ISSN of series
Core for NLA
2.12.8.3 Recording the ISSN of a Series
Optional Omission
Do not apply.
2.12.9 Numbering within series
Core
2.12.10 Title proper of subseries
Core
2.12.16 ISSN of subseries
Core
2.12.16.3 Recording the ISSN of a Subseries
Optional Omission
Do not apply.
2.12.17 Numbering within subseries
Core
2.13 Mode of issuance
Core for NLA
2.14 Frequency
Core for NLA
2.15Identifier for the manifestation
Core
2.15.1.5 More Than One Identifier for the Manifestation
Optional Addition
Generally apply.
2.15.1.5 More Than One Identifier for the Manifestation
Alternative
Do not apply.
2.19Identifier for the item
Core for NLA
Record the call number and barcode.
2.20.2 Note on title
Core for NLA
Record the source of the title and the date the title was viewed.
2.20.2.3 Title Source
Optional Omission
Do not apply.
2.20.3.6.2 Change in Statement of Responsibility -Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.3.6.3 Change in Statement of Responsibility - Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.4.5.1 Change in Edition Statement - Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.4.5.2 Change in Edition Statement – Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.4.5.3 Change in Edition Statement - Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.6.4.1 Change in Production Statement – Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.6.4.2 Change in Production Statement – Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.6.4.3 Change in Production Statement – Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.7.5.1 Change in Publication Statement – Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.7.5.2 Change in Publication Statement - Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.7.5.3 Change in Publication Statement – Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.8.4.1 Change in Distribution Statement – Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.8.4.2 Change in Distribution Statement –Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.8.4.3 Change in Distribution Statement – Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.9.4.1Change in Manufacture Statement – Multipart Monographs
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.9.4.2 Change in Manufacture Statement – Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.9.4.3 Change in Manufacture Statement – Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.11.5.1 Change in Series Statement – Multipart Monographs and Serials
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.11.5.2 Change in Series Statement – Integrating Resources
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.12.4 Change in Frequency
Alternative
Apply.
2.20.13 Note on issue, part, or iteration used as the basis for identification of the resource
Core for NLA
Chapter 3: Describing Carriers
3.1.4.1 Recording Only Carrier Type and Extent of Each Carrier
Optional Addition
Apply.
3.1.4.2 Recording Carrier Type, Extent, and Other Characteristics of Each Carrier
Optional Addition
Apply.
3.1.4.3 Recording Predominant Carrier Type and Extent in General Terms
Optional Omission
Apply.
3.1.4.3 Recording Predominant Carrier Type and Extent in General Terms
Optional Addition
Apply.
3.2Media type
Core for NLA
3.2.1.3 Recording Media Type
Alternative
Do not apply.
Access to resources is enhanced by providing information on all the media, carriers and content in the resource.
3.3 Carrier type
Core
3.3.1.3 Recording Carrier Type
Alternative
Do not apply.
Access to resources is enhanced by providing information on all the media, carriers and content in the resource.
3.4 Extent
Core
Core if the resource is complete or if the total extent is known.
If a multi-part monograph is incomplete, enclose the current extent as temporary data in angle brackets < >
3.4.1.4 Exact Number of Units Not Readily Ascertainable
Optional Omission
Apply.
3.4.1.5 Other Terms Used to Designate the Type of Unit
Optional Omission
Apply.
3.4.1.7.1 Number of Subunits – Computer Discs, Cartridges, Etc.
Optional Addition
Generally do not apply.
3.4.1.7.5 Number of Subunits – Online Resources
Optional Addition
Generally do not apply.
3.4.1.9 Subunits in Resources Consisting of More Than One Unit
Optional Omission
Applyif the number of subunits cannot be readily ascertained or approximated.
3.4.1.10 Incomplete Resource
Alternative
Do not apply.
3.4.1.11.1 Number of Items, Containers, or Volumes
Optional Addition.
Apply.
3.4.1.11.2 Storage Space
Alternative
Do not apply.
RDA instruction specifies metric terminology, which is suitable to Australian context.
3.4.1.11.2 Storage Space
Optional Addition
Apply.
3.4.4.5 Albums, Portfolios, Etc.
Optional Addition
Apply.
3.4.5.15 Single Portfolio or Case
Optional Addition
Generally apply.
3.4.5.17 Continuously Paged Volumes
Optional Omission
Do not omit the pages for multipart monographs; omit the pages for serials and integrating resources.
3.4.5.18 Individually Paged Volumes
Optional Addition
Generally apply.
3.4.5.21 More Than One Portfolio or Case
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for identification or access.
3.5 Dimensions
Core for NLA
3.5.1.3 Recording Dimensions
Alternative
Do not apply.
3.5.1.4.13 Three-Dimensional Forms
Optional Omission
Do not apply.
3.5.1.6 Resources Consisting of More Than One Carrier
Alternative
Apply.
3.5.2.2 Recording Dimensions of Maps, Etc.
Alternative
Apply.
3.5.3.2 Recording Dimensions of Still Images
Alternative
Apply.
3.11 Layout
Core for NLA
Core for cartographic resources. Also for other resources if it is considered important for identification or selection.
3.13.1.3 Recording Font Size
Optional Addition
Apply if the dimension can be readily ascertained.
3.16.1.3 Recording Sound Characteristics
Optional Addition
Apply cataloguer’s judgement.
3.16.4.3 Recording Playing Speed
Alternative
Playing speed is generally not recorded.
3.19 Digital file characteristic
Core for NLA
Core for cartographic resources.Also core for other resources if it is considered important for identification or selection.
3.20.1.3 Recording Equipment or System Requirements
Alternative
Apply.
Recording the information as it is presented on the resource is the simplest way of providing this information. Apply cataloguer’s judgement to decide if any additional information is recorded.
3.22.6 Note on changes in carrier characteristics
Core for NLA
Core if carrier characteristics vary and a new description isn’t made(see the LC-PCC PS).
Chapter 4: Providing Acquisition and Access Information
4.2.1.3 Recording Terms of Availability
Optional Addition
Apply if considered important for access.
4.4 Access restrictions
Core for NLA
Core for all resources to manage rights and access.
4.5 Restrictions on use
Core for NLA
Core for all resources to manage rights and access.
4.6 Uniform Resource Locator
Core for NLA
Core for all resources to enable access.If there is more than one Uniform Resource Locator for the resource, record them all.
Chapter 5: General Guidelines on Recording Attributes of Works and Expressions
5.4 Language and Script
Alternative
Apply the alternative in addition to the form that appears on the source, where language expertise is available. Script versions should be recorded in the MARC 880 fields.
5.7 Status of identification
Core for NLA
5.8 Source consulted
Core for NLA
5.9 Cataloguer’s note
Core for NLA
Core for the situations given in 5.9.1.3 a-d.
Chapter 6: Identifying Works and Expressions
NLA guideline
Authority records for works and expressions are to be created whenever added information is required that can’t be recorded as part of the authorized access point.
Specific guidelines on when to create authorized access points for works and expressions will be given at individual instructions where required.
6.2.1.6 Diacritical Marks
Optional Addition
Generally do not apply.
6.2.1.7 Initial articles (titles of works)
Alternative
Apply the alternative.
6.2.2 Preferred title for the work
Core
6.2.2.9.2 Two or More Parts
Alternative
Apply either “in addition to” or “instead of”, on a case-by-case basis when the use of Selections is considered appropriate to the situation.
6.2.2.10.3 Other Compilations of Two or More Works
Alternative
Apply either “in addition to” or “instead of”, on a case-by-case basis when the use of Selections is considered appropriate to the situation.
6.3 Form of work
Core
Core if needed to differentiate.
6.4 Date of work
Core
6.5 Place of origin of the work
Core
Core if needed to differentiate.
6.6 Other distinguishing characteristic of the work
Core
Core if needed to differentiate.
6.8 Identifier for the work
Core
6.9 Content type
Core
6.9.1.3 Recording Content Type
Alternative
Do not apply.
Access to resources is enhanced by providing information on all the media, carriers and content in the resource.