Whether the link is textual or whether the link is to a
numeric/symbolic identifier, so long as it is unambiguously
identifies the target linked record, the system CAN provide the user
with a direct link to the target linked record. Textual links do not
preclude this possiblity--so long as the textual links umambiguously
identify the targetted record.
In truth, it may be easier and simpler to unambiguosly identify a
target record with a symbolic identifier based link, which I believe
is what Diane Hillmann is suggesting.
But if the problem is that most systems do not generate clearly
identified and easy to follow links for the users based on the links
that are encoded in our records---the problem is the systems
practice, not the records themselves. There is nothing about textual
links that precludes good integration of link information in user
displays. Unless the textual links under current practice do NOT
succesfully unambiguously identify the targetted record in a
machine-resolvable way (is there a problem here?). My impression is
that the RDA rules are meant to ensure that textual links DO
accomplish this goal.
It would be of value if RDA actually stated this intention, stated
the purpose of a citation. I am unsure if this is done.
Jonathan
At 9:33 PM -0500 7/25/06, Diane I. Hillmann wrote:
Adam:
I think this is a good suggestion for moving forward, even though I
firmly believe that text-based citation should be the last choice,
and only when more direct links are impossible.
It mystifies me why there seems to be so much resistance to the idea
of providing direct links to either the related item or information
about the item without requiring the user to take extra steps to
"look up" the information about the related item (which is what we do
when we insist on textual citations). In a world where article
references are linked via OpenURL and the MARC record includes more
and more opportunities to encode such links, I'm missing the reasons
for the reluctance.
Lest we forget, at present most textual notes citing related works,
no matter how carefully crafted, are not even seen by users, as our
OPACS almost uniformly default to brief records when displaying
information to users. One benefit of links is the potential to allow
linked materials to be clearly identified and displayed differently
than notes, in ways that could be better integrated into user
displays.
Diane
Here's a suggestion to the JSC for resolving the conflicting opinions
regarding the best way to form citations (and consequently, of selecting
primary access points).
Assuming that the JSC decides to keep the concept of primary access point
(which some, such as Diane Hillman, have argued against), I suggest that
the JSC form a task group to look at the instructions found in standard
general (e.g. Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Term Papers,
Theses, and Dissertations) and discipline-specific (e.g., Modern Language
Association, American Psychological Association) reference sources for
constructing bibliographies and then make a recommendation on a preferred
citation style for RDA.
IFLA has a website with links to many online style guides:
http://www.ifla.org/I/training/citation/citing.htm
Dartmouth College has what looks to be an excellent guide as well:
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~sources/
Adam
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Adam L. Schiff
Principal Cataloger
University of Washington Libraries
Box 352900
Seattle, WA 98195-2900
(206) 543-8409
(206) 685-8782 fax
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://faculty.washington.edu/~aschiff
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Diane I. Hillmann
Research Librarian
Cornell University Library
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Voice: (607) 387-9207
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