RDA: Radical Deterrent to Access (beginning thoughts on Chapter 2)

Chapter 2 is big and hairy

Initial thought - what a long chapter. This will take for ever! Okay - here are some thoughts on the first group of rules.

Questions that came to mind included:
Footnoting the definitions of manifestations and items at the very beginning 2.0
Chapter 2 Manifestation means physical embodiment of an expression of work
Chapter 2 Item means single exemplar or instance of a manifestation.

How come the authors of Chapter 2 tried to make the language hard and awkward?

Why aren’t examples numbered for easy referencing and commenting on?

Comprehensive Description: choose a source of information appropriate to the mode of issuance
If it is a single unit, choose source that identifies the whole resource.

2.1.2.3 Issued in more than one part, then choose one of the following – but not in any order?
Lowest number equals first or earliest? Can this be said a bit simpler?
If looking for a source for the numbering of the thing, use the last and not the first?
If looking for a source for a date look at the last one you can find?

Is 2.2.2.2 PDFs? If so, why not XMP embedded information like the MPEGs etc mentioned later?

Glossary has caption title and captioning but not just caption.
No definition of masthead.
No definition of colophon.
These might be needed for the wide range of audiences?

2.2.3.3
Defined in the glossary
Facsimile: A reproduction simulating the physical appearance of the original in addition to reproducing its content exactly. (Look and Exact)

Reproduction: An exact copy of the content of a resource made by mechanical or electronic means. (OCR?!)

2.2.4 I love exception at the very very very end after language about where to find things in other places and long list of fields that need to indicate where the information comes until you get to the important exception:
“If the resource is of a type that does not normally carry identifying information (e.g. a photograph, a naturally occurring object, or a collection), omit the note or other means of indicating that the information was taken from a source outside the resource itself.”

Title

Typo? Odd font change on 2.3.1.1 i) abbreviated title ?


2.3.1.3 exception – why not just state it there instead of verbiage that just makes you click to the answer? Is a weee bit of repetition that bad of a thing?

2.3.1.4 Recording Titles
Confused by a few examples especially for optional examples. Optional Omission should have it’s own number 2.3.1.4.2? Exceptions: Introductory words and Inaccuracies 2.3.1.4.3 and 2.3.1.4.4.
What does it mean that the inaccuracies of serial or integrating resources can be corrected?

What’s with the Housing starts example?


Can I just disagree? I hate the example 2.3.1.4 … annual report.
Hate beginning with ellipses. Hate it. Hate having a title that is so generic as to be useless and actually none functioning. Would rather have a rule that says “If title found in proper location is stupid, fix it by adding information to help those who need to know what it is you were looking at when you were describing the resource.”