The Cataloging and Metadata is sponsoring three sessions at the Meeting of the Music Library Association and the Theatre Library Association next week:

RDA Changes in Theory and Practice – Thursday, March 2, 1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m. CST
In this session presenters will address changes in the new RDA Toolkit from a theoretical perspective as well as in terms of practical, on-the-ground cataloging.

The current official text of RDA incorporates numerous changes, many of which were necessary to accommodate the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM). The LRM revises, reconciles, and adds to the Functional Requirements family of models (FRBR, FRAD, and FRSAD) that formed the basis of the original RDA text. Among the wholly new concepts introduced in the LRM are representative expression elements (a recognition of the fact that most users see many expression properties of the “original” expression of a work to be properties of the work instead) and a model for aggregates (including what RDA and AACR2 referred to, but never defined, as compilations). This version of the Toolkit also features radical changes to the structure and presentation of RDA.

Collectively, these changes have left many catalogers feeling befuddled, befogged, and bemused. This presentation aims to address the biggest points of confusion and show how changes to RDA will play out in reality with practical examples of real-world applications.
Topics to be covered in detail include:

• The revised MLA Best Practices in the new Toolkit and supporting documentation
• Treatment decisions for representative expressions
• Additions to the MARC Bibliographic and Authorities formats to accommodate representative expressions, and MLA guidance on using them
  -T he aggregate model and its implications for music cataloging
• Changes to policy for access points for aggregating works (particularly relevant for popular music albums)
  Speakers: Kathy Glennan, Damian Iseminger, and Keith Knop

Cataloging and Metadata Town Hall – Friday, March 3, 11:00 a.m.-12:20 pm. CST
This session features updates and special topics in music cataloging and metadata as well as an open discussion period; it is a forum for sharing information on important topics that do not each require their own program sessions. Speakers will provide up to date information on changes to RDA (as well as LC-PCC Policy Statements and MLA Best Practices), LCGFT, LCMPT, LCDGT, and MARC. Special topics this year include updates from the Linked Data Working Group (LDWG) and a mini workshop on preparing SACO proposals.

Speakers: Kevin Kishimoto, Keith Knop, Leo Martin, Karen Peters, Hermine Vermeij, and Janelle West

Improving Representation and Access through Ethical Description – Friday, March 3, 1:30 p.m.-2:50 p.m. CST
In pursuit of living the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion, and attempting to minimize harm to underrepresented populations, many individuals and institutions have been investigating ways to incorporate or practice ethical description in their metadata and discovery systems. This session will provide examples in both a general and performing arts context, and allow for discussion and synthesis. To begin the session, panelists will share examples of ways they are practicing or planning ethical description, such as retrospective description of demographics, bilingual description (including original scripts), and finding local solutions for problematic subject headings. Following these snapshot presentations, attendees will discuss in small groups ways they are incorporating or can incorporate ethical description in day-to-day practice. Some topics to guide small group discussions could include balancing creating access with ethical description practice, past or ongoing projects at attendees’ institutions, and how discovery systems impact (or even limit) our ability to create ethical description at present. At the end of the session, speakers will facilitate time for attendees to share out and synthesize discussion points from the small groups.

Speakers: Kristi Bergland, Allison McClanahan, and Treshani Perera