Abstract

Descriptive cataloging is the process of representing resources by recording their identifying traits and selecting specific names and titles to serve as access points. It is a key component of the larger cataloging process alongside subject cataloging, authority work, and encoding. Descriptive cataloging practices have existed for centuries and, over time, have become standardized through the use of cataloging codes. These documents guide this process by prescribing a consistent set of elements, providing directions on how to record these elements, and offering instructions on how to select and format access points. The goal of descriptive cataloging is not to create perfect representations but to provide data to serve users. The international cataloging standard Resource Description and Access (RDA) is now bringing more institutions under the same set of descriptive practices than ever before. This, along with recent technological developments, promises increased sharing and reuse of descriptive cataloging data.

摘要

描述性分类是通过记录资源的标识特征并选择特定名称和标题作为访问点来表示资源的过程。它是大型编目过程以及主题编目，授权工作和编码的关键组成部分。描述性编目实践已经存在了多个世纪，并且随着时间的流逝，通过使用编目代码已变得标准化。这些文档通过规定一组一致的元素，提供有关如何记录这些元素的指导以及有关如何选择和格式化接入点的说明，来指导此过程。描述性编目的目的不是创建完美的表示形式，而是为用户提供数据。国际编目标准“资源描述和访问”（RDA）现在比以往任何时候都将更多的机构采用相同的描述性做法。随着最新技术的发展，这有望增加对描述性编录数据的共享和重用。