Pilot test for the implementation of RDA cataloging standard in Colombia

Abstract

The National Library of Colombia, as the guiding agency in the formulation, coordination and execution of policies, plans and programs related to technical processing of Colombian bibliographic and documentary heritage, led the pilot test for implementing of the RDA cataloging standard in Colombia. This pilot test, currently has the participation of different information units in the country, such as the Luis Ángel Arango Library, the Pilot Public Library of Medellí­n, the Caro and Cuervo Institute, the SENA, Corpoica, the Rafael Carrillo Luquez Library Corporation, the University Foundation of Health Sciences, the University of Antioquí­a, the University of “El Bosque”, The University of “Del Valle”, the Javeriana University, the National University of Colombia (Manizales), the “Pontificia Bolivariana” University, and the “Santo Tomás” University, all of them interested in studying the norm and establishing implementation policies in a consensual way, in addition to recognize the changes and impacts of its implementation. In this sense, for the RDA pilot test, there have been carried out meetings, both face-to-face and virtual, with the objective of working on RDA records creation, to be applicable to all resources and content types, especially to those coming from the digital environment. The experience of this pilot test represents a reference for the implementation of RDA standard in Latin America, to the extent that it has generated some outcomes: free software adaptation, as well as the configuration of ILS (Integrated Library System) of participating entities for the metadata model, MARC fields and fixed-length data elements, that are necessary for the creation of RDA records (work, expression, manifestation, as well as personal, corporate and family authorities); establishment of a specialized forum to exchange, publish, make advances, and finally, develop manuals related to records creation. Considering the importance of this pilot test for Latin America, the article shows all relevant aspects of its development, the results obtained and the steps to be taken in the future.