AACR2 Amendments Spark Changes
in Cataloging Electronic Resources
By Mike Wright
There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the 2001 amendments to AACR2 (1998 revision), which include some sweeping changes to the cataloging standard. The most significant changes are in Chapter 9, the rules for cataloging electronic resources, formerly called computer files. Materials covered by the Chapter 9 rules include interactive multimedia, CD-ROMs, software and Internet resources. Highlights include:
- New designation of the entire resource itself (rule 9.0B1) as the chief source of information for electronic resources.
- Change of general material designation (GMD) from "computer file" to "electronic resource" (1.1C1, 9.1C).
- Addition of new descriptors in Type of Resource area (9.3B1).
- Addition of new terminology for specific material designation (SMDs) in the Physical Description area (9.5B1).
The new rules in Chapter 9 also supersede the 1995 Guidelines for Bibliographic Description of Interactive Multimedia published by ALA. These guidelines should no longer be used in current cataloging.
In addition, less radical changes have occurred in other chapters of AACR2, most notably in Chapter 22, where new rules for constructing headings for names including titles (as in titles of nobility, etc.) are now in place. A new list of initial articles has been appended to the 2001 amendments, as well.
The 2001 revisions are extensive and important for institutions that catalog electronic resources. They are available on the Web from the American Library Association at alastore.ala.org/. The paper version is only $15, less for ALA members; a small but essential investment to keep your cataloging practices up-to-date.
The BCR workshops, Cataloging: CD-ROMs, Multimedia and Software, Cataloging: Internet Resources and Cataloging: AACR2 Access Points 1, have been updated to reflect the changes to AACR2 and, along with other classes, are being offered throughout the BCR region during the current workshop cycle. Check the new BCR Workshop Schedule or the "Workshop" section on BCR's Web site (www.bcr.org/) for details.
Next Article | Previous Article | Table of Contents | BCR Publications
Comments to:
shoffhin@bcr.org
February 27, 2008
Copyright © 2002 BCR