Comments on LC Proposal on RDA Part I Internationalization

    CEAL RDA Review Subcommittee of the Committee on Technical Processing

    Submitted Mar. 7, 2006

    General comments:

    ·          The LC proposal is certainly simple (as stated by Jennifer Bowen) and very flexible (intentionally so, see I. A. 1.6.2. Second note) with regard to “internationalization.” It addresses the concerns raised in the CEAL RDA comments regarding

    o         Transcription of non-roman languages and scripts and their transliterated forms, and transcribing numbers expressed as words and numerals. 

    o         Replacement of the terms “oriental” and “vernacular.”

    o         Supplementing of missing data elements.

    ·          Support the proposal suggesting addition of 1.6.2.6 Calendar and revision of 2.6.2.3 and 2.9.0.3 in I. E.

    ·          Support the proposal suggesting using “transliteration” in place of “romanization” (see II. 3rd paragraph)

     

    ·          Concerns with possible inconsistent practice in applying these options, suggest LC issues RIs/Catalog Decision and set direction in this regard.

     

    Concern is that the LC proposal is so flexible, with all its options, that bib records for the same manifestation of a specific expression of a specific work might, nevertheless, end up varying quite a bit, which, in turn, would pose problems for easy and comprehensive retrieval.  Is LC going to issue RIs in the future specifying what options it will take?  That will help the CEAL community to reach an understanding of LC's position on various rules. 

     

    ·          Concerns with lack of CJK and other non-roman language examples.

     

    We need numerous CJK examples to illustrate the rules, the RIs, and variant forms of access points to ensure better understanding and consistent application of RDA among area studies catalogers as well as the general cataloging community.

     

    This is one of three major concerns raised in the CEAL RDA comments that still need to be addressed. We understand that this proposal is not intended to address it, but we hope to hear from JSC soon on what being decided regarding the inclusion of CJK and other non-roman-language examples, so we can take action accordingly to ensure that CJK catalogers apply RDA effectively and efficiently in the near future.

     

    Specific comments

    Rule #

    Proposal

    Suggested change

    I. A. 1.6.2.

    A. Proposed revision of 1.6.2

     

    1.6.2. Numerals and nNumbers expressed as words and numerals

     

    Ø When transcribing any titles (title proper, parallel title, other title information, variant title, etc.) and any statements of responsibility (including statements of responsibility relating to an edition statement, etc., or to a series, etc.), and any statement relating to edition, transcribe numerals and numbers expressed as words and numerals in the form in which they appear on the source of information.

     

    Ø Follow the guidelines in 1.6.2.1-1.6.2.6 1.6.2.5 below when recording transcribing numerals and numbers expressed as words and numerals in the following elements:

     

    Edition statement

    Statement relating to a named revision of an edition

    Numeric and/or alphabetic designation

    Chronological designation

    Date of publication, distribution, etc.

    Numbering within series

     

    ◊ Optionally, add or substitute numerals in the script preferred by the agency preparing the description.

     

    ◊ Optionally, for early printed resources [remainder of option as given]

     

    [example]

     

    Statement of Problem:

    Language and wording in the second bullet of options for early printed resources should be consistent with main instruction of the second arrow and reflect changes accordingly.

    Suggested change for the second bullet:

     

    ◊ Optionally, for early printed resources, recording transcribing numerals and numbers expressed as words and numerals appearing in an edition statement, a statement relating to a named revision of an edition, or date of publication, distribution, etc., in the form in which they appear on the source of information.

     

    [example]

     

    [note: Delete the first two examples]