Jonathan Rochkind <rochk...@jhu.edu> wrote: > I thought that RDA as a code used neither GMD _nor_ SMD, replacing those with > the data elements that end up in the new mac 3xx fields? Can anyone confirm > that, that there is no notion of 'smd' in RDA?
The 300 $a includes what could be called an SMD, but in RDA it (called a type of unit) and its number are referred to as "Extent", e.g., 3 videodiscs. The fine print is given under RDA 3.1 and 3.4. The terms for the 300 $a are to be taken from the Carrier Type list under 3.3.1.3, much like some chapters of AACR2 have lists of terms to choose from. RDA also follows AACR2 in allowing for made-up terms to inhabit the 300 $a, such as those in common usage or trade names. Quoting from 3.4.1.5: "Use a term in common usage (including a trade name, if applicable) to designate the type of unit: a.) if the carrier is in a newly developed format that is not yet covered in the list under 3.3.1.3; b.) if none of the terms listed under 3.3.1.3 is appropriate; or c.) as an alternative to a term listed under 3.3.1.3, if preferred by the agency preparing the description" Other formats take a differ tack, such as text, which uses the pagination approach (RDA 3.4.5), and still images, which draw from a different vocabulary under 3.4.4 (and allow for terms to be made up if none on the list fit the thing being cataloged). These exceptions are found under 3.4.1.3. A registry sounds like a good idea. -- Mark K. Ehlert Minitex Coordinator University of Minnesota Bibliographic & Technical 15 Andersen Library Services (BATS) Unit 222 21st Avenue South Phone: 612-624-0805 Minneapolis, MN 55455-0439 <http://www.minitex.umn.edu/>
