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(These are brief rules; for more in-depth notes, see this Word document)

Cataloging manuscripts in RDA

There are a large number of major problems when it comes to cataloging music manuscripts in RDA. The Descriptive Cataloging for Rare Materials (Music) manual [DCRM(M)] only exists in draft form. Even more problematically, it was created for AACR2, and only includes a few references to RDA. There seems to be no concrete method that catalogers are using to navigate their way between RDA and the DCRM. The DCRM website itself presents two options:

1. Continue to catalog according to the (AACR2-specific) DCRM rules, and modify only access points for RDA.
2. Use the provisions in the BIBCO standard record (BSR), following them consistently throughout the entire record. The record should be coded jointly $e rda and $e dcrmb. (This is already a problem, because there is no $e dcrmm yet).

For use here at ECU, option 1 seems undesirable, especially as our library and the world continues to shift toward RDA. So the best option would be to go with (2), which combines RDA and BIBCO standards with DCRM – the only problem is that it’s predicated on DCRM(B) and not DCRM(M). So let’s see what local rules we can come up with that combine the best of the BSR, RDA, and DCRM(M).

The BSR and rare materials

BIBCO allows for the DCRM to override RDA in two areas. The alternative to 1.7.1 allows for catalogers to use their own manual for transcription rules, while allows for DCRM transcription rules, and the BSR at 3.4 also allows for one to use the DCRM’s rules for recording extent, rather than RDA’s. However, they only allow this with an added encoding – because $e dcrmb is the only available code right now, these exceptions can only be used with books. All other rare materials should follow the BSR.

Rare materials: BSR recommends following the alternatives to RDA 1.8.1 and 1.8.2, which allows one to directly transcribe numerals in any form that they are recorded on the resource.

Do not abridge titles for rare materials.

Record book format (3.12) when it can be determined.

Music Library policy:

Use RDA with these additions from the DCRM(M) draft

Transcription:

Include notes about all additional pencil markings, crossed out words, etc.

Fixed fields: Code type as "d"

Place/date of production:

Use a 264_0 field; record the place of production and date of production. Transcribe the date as a span encompassing multiple dates if possible.

Physical description:

Do not refer to a "manuscript" in the 300 field.

Describe a score and/or part with leaves numbered on both sides, or with leaves unnumbered and with musical notation on both sides, in terms of pages. Describe a score and/or part with leaves numbered n one side only, or with leaves unnumbered and musical notation on one side only, in terms of leaves. If there are sequences in more than one kind of numbering, record each sequence in its appropriate term as pages or leaves. (see RDA 3.4.5.2 to read more about pages or leaves)

Make sure every page/leaf is accounted for; refer to "unnumbered" pages if necessary. (Do not put unnumbered pages in brackets; this is AACR2 practice).

If there is one part accompanying the score, include pagination for the one part. If there is more than one part, do not include pagination for the parts.

Include a 340 field; under $d, put the term "holograph" for a manuscript written by the work's creator, or "manuscript" for any other handwritten material.

Note fields:

For manuscripts, identify the handwriting, using terms such as “autograph manuscript,” “copyist’s manuscript” or “manuscript in an unidentified hand.” Optionally, identify the type and color of the writing implements.

Give a brief summary of the content of the resource, if considered important. Some or all notes may be incorporated into a summary for a manuscript. Use the 520 field for this.

CDH, 10/29/13

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