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3.2. RDA Cataloging Standards

Last Updated 01/28/2026

Resource Description and Access (RDA) Cataloging Standards

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RDA Standards, the preferred cataloging standard for NC Cardinal, is outlined below, along with acomparison to AACR2 and instructions for converting AACR2 records to RDA records.

RDA (Resource Description and Access) is the modern standard for library cataloging, replacing older rules (AACR2) to manage diverse materials, especially digital ones, by focusing on user needs like finding, identifying, and exploring resources in online catalogs, using conceptual models to link creators, works, and items for better discovery through linked data. It provides guidelines and data elements for creating metadata that are adaptable for web-based systems, enabling more intelligent connections between related items and creators.

RDA is the preferred content standard for bibliographic cataloging in NC Cardinal. When creating new records, always follow RDA cataloging rules.

Comparing RDA to Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR)

The Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR) were an international library cataloging standard first published in 1967. Later updated in 1978 as AACR2, these cataloging standards were designed for use primarily with print materials and utilized highly refined space-saving rules for structure and abbreviations intended for use with paper card catalogs. Given the advent of modern electronic publishing and a recognition of the need for linked data applications, AACR2 was replaced by the Resource Description and Access (RDA) standard of descriptive cataloging, which has now been adopted by most American libraries.

Many AACR2 records still exist. Others have been partially upgraded, resulting in hybrid records. 

Differences

AACR2

• Lots of abbreviations
  • 10 p. : col. ill. ; 20 cm.
• Publication, distribution, copyright, etc., information in one field
  • One 260
  • Copyright date can be used as publication date
  • Copyright indicated with “c”

RDA

• Fewer abbreviations
  • 10 pages : color illustrations ; 20 cm
• Publication, distribution, copyright, etc., information in separate fields
  • Multiple 264s
  • Copyright indicated with “©”
• Content, carrier, and media types
  • 336, 337, 338 fields
• Often relationship designators
  • In 1XX and 7XX fields (ex: $e author)
• “rda” in 040

Utilizing RDA in the Cataloging Workflow

• Import the best record for each resource, whether it follows AACR2 or RDA cataloging rules.
• When choosing between records of equal quality, select the one following RDA rules.
• If possible, upgrade AACR2 records to RDA. 

Upgrading Records to RDA

1. If the record lacks 33X fields, add these
2. Change the 260 field to one or more 264 fields
3. Replace most abbreviations (p., v., ill., etc.) with the spelled-out terms
4. If possible, add relationship designators in 1XX and 7XX fields
5. Make appropriate changes in the fixed fields (LDR and 008 fields) (e.g. Desc will now be coded “i” instead of “a”)
6. Add “$e rda” to the 040 field (and “$b eng” if not already there)