, AIS3711 ASSIGNMENT 2 2026
DUE DATE: 22 MAY 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 183076
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definition of RDA and Frameworks Used in its Development (7 marks)
Resource Description and Access (RDA) is a comprehensive set of guidelines and
instructions used for the description and access of information resources in libraries and other
information institutions. It provides a standardised way of recording bibliographic data so
that users can easily find, identify, select and obtain resources. RDA was developed to
replace earlier cataloguing standards such as AACR2 and is specifically designed to function
effectively in the digital environment, accommodating both print and electronic resources
(RDA Toolkit, 2019).
RDA is built on a flexible and principle-based approach rather than rigid rules, allowing it to
adapt to new types of resources and technologies. It also supports the sharing of
bibliographic data across different systems and platforms, making it suitable for global use.
The development of RDA was guided by three key conceptual frameworks. The first is the
Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), which introduced a structured
model for understanding bibliographic data through the entities Work, Expression,
Manifestation and Item (WEMI). This framework focuses on user tasks such as finding,
identifying, selecting and obtaining resources (IFLA, 2009).
The second framework is the Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD), which
focuses on authority control and ensures consistency in the recording of names, authors and
organisations. This improves the reliability and organisation of catalogues (IFLA, 2009).
DUE DATE: 22 MAY 2026
UNIQUE NUMBER: 183076
SECTION A
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definition of RDA and Frameworks Used in its Development (7 marks)
Resource Description and Access (RDA) is a comprehensive set of guidelines and
instructions used for the description and access of information resources in libraries and other
information institutions. It provides a standardised way of recording bibliographic data so
that users can easily find, identify, select and obtain resources. RDA was developed to
replace earlier cataloguing standards such as AACR2 and is specifically designed to function
effectively in the digital environment, accommodating both print and electronic resources
(RDA Toolkit, 2019).
RDA is built on a flexible and principle-based approach rather than rigid rules, allowing it to
adapt to new types of resources and technologies. It also supports the sharing of
bibliographic data across different systems and platforms, making it suitable for global use.
The development of RDA was guided by three key conceptual frameworks. The first is the
Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), which introduced a structured
model for understanding bibliographic data through the entities Work, Expression,
Manifestation and Item (WEMI). This framework focuses on user tasks such as finding,
identifying, selecting and obtaining resources (IFLA, 2009).
The second framework is the Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD), which
focuses on authority control and ensures consistency in the recording of names, authors and
organisations. This improves the reliability and organisation of catalogues (IFLA, 2009).
