Transitioning to RDA: The Philippine experience

• Main Authors: Fresnido, Ana Maria B., Valerio, Marita G.
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2019
• Subjects: Descriptive cataloging—Rules; Cataloging—Philipines; Catalogers—Training of—Philippines; Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc., (PAARL); Cataloging and Metadata
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/9303
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study describes the extent of implementation of RDA in the Philippines and determines the common problems encountered by libraries as they transition from AACR2 to RDA (Resource Description and Access). It also assesses the effectiveness of the training programs offered by the Philippine Association of Academic/Research Librarians, Inc., (PAARL) as well as the usefulness of the Cataloging Policy Statements and RDA Guidelines for Philippine Libraries that was prepared and disseminated by PAARL. The respondents of this study include those who received the initial RDA training (Training of Trainers) in 2014 and those who attended RDA trainings sponsored by PAARL. In addition, all active members of PAARL are included as part of the survey since they are the ones most likely to be the recipients of the trainings cascaded down by those who attended the Training of Trainers. Results show that a significant number of libraries have now implemented the use of RDA in their respective libraries, most of whom received their training from PAARL. The most common problems encountered by those that implemented RDA include lack of consistency in the library catalogs, data quality control and compatibility with MARC records, and user familiarity. On the other hand, some libraries are unable to implement RDA because of the high cost of subscription to the RDA toolkit. According to the respondents, the trainings provided by PAARL and the Cataloging Policy Statements and RDA Guidelines for Philippine Libraries are effective and useful.