For several months, bibliographic records based on new cataloging rules (RDA – Resource Description and Access) have been added to MERLIN. We are transitioning from AACR2 to RDA in our cataloging here, also.
Here are some changes you will see:
1) Under AACR2, we abbreviated Department in corporate body names. Under RDA, we will only abbreviate Department if it is used in an abbreviated from by the organization.
Former: University of Missouri—Columbia. Dept. of Agronomy
New: University of Missouri—Columbia. Department of Agronomy
2) Under AACR2, we abbreviated a lot of words in the physical description. Under RDA, a lot of those words are spelled out. An exception is for centimeter, because cm is considered a symbol and not an abbreviation.
Former: 34 p. : ill. ; 23 cm
New: 34 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm
For more information, watch for further updates or contact anyone in the Catalog Department.