Closed Suzanne007 closed 4 years ago
DACSAdlib
commented
4 years ago I think that it is a mistake creating your own definitions, perhaps I'm missing the point? I think that a better approach would be to: -point to the DACS definitions -address that DACS does not distinguish between supplied and devised Then state that -When cataloguing Graphic Materials, DCRM (G) has an additional definition.
DACSAdlib
commented
4 years ago Further to the last:
DACS formerly used the term 'supplied' in line with ISAD but changed to devised' in order to follow RDA as follows:
RDA rules for titles provided by archivists (“devised titles”) were in closer agreement with archival practices. DACS 2004 had used the term supplied for these titles, in alignment with ISAD(G). Recognizing the growing convergence between library, museum, and archival descriptive standards, and the predominant use of the term devised by companion archival standards to DACS, as well as the greater clarity of the term, the subcommittee has chosen to change the term supplied to devised. Finally, the subcommittee considers it important that the U.S. archival community continue to monitor the development of RDA. Its reliance on entities and their linkages provides promise for informing the developing archival conceptual model and for greater cooperation between archives and libraries in the future.
'Revision Decisions' in Society of American Archivists, (2013) Describing archives: A content standard, 2nd ed., SAA, Chicago For entire section
DACSAdlib
commented
4 years ago Also, when using DCRM (G) with the BSR-RDA-MAP, cataloguers will be directed to RDA 2.3.2.
Suzanne007
commented
4 years ago Hi Glenn
I agree that it's probably preferable to use the definitions in the standard. My thinking was that Meredith's definitions were succinct and conveyed the information we need. When I looked at the definitions in the standard, I thought we'd end up with something like the following:
Devised title: A devised title is one provided by the archivist when there is no formal title for the materials being described or when the formal title is misleading or inadequate. The rules for recording a devised title differ from the rules for recording a formal title. Archivists usually devise titles for archival materials. [DACS, 2.3]
Formal title: A formal title is one that appears prominently on or in the materials being described and is most commonly found in material that has been published or distributed, such as a title on a book, report, map, or film. Formal titles can also be found on unpublished material that bears a meaningful name consciously given by the creator of the material, (e.g., a caption on a photograph, label on a folder, or leader on a film). [DACS 2.3]
When cataloguing Graphic Materials, DCRM (G) has an additional definition:
Title supplied from another source If no title can be derived from text (printed, manuscript, or electronic) provided by the creator or creating body on or with the material, but a title can be supplied from another source, transcribe it from that source and enclose it in square brackets. Cite the source in a note. (DCRM(G) 1F1.1.)
If no title can be derived from text (printed, manuscript, or electronic) provided by the creator or creating body on or with the material, and two or more sources disagree on the title, either in content or in language, and none can be credited with representing the creator’s intent, choose the title from an authoritative source and transcribe it in square brackets. If considered important, give additional title access to the variant titles. (DCRM(G) 1F1.2)
Also, I don't think it's feasible for cataloguers to have to look at DACS, and DCRM (G) with the BSR-RDA-MAP, and then be directed to RDA 2.3.2.- Shouldn't we be trying to write our instructions/procedures to avoid this?
DACSAdlib
commented
4 years ago It's occurred to me that I just jumped into having a go at you, and didn't say the definitions you and Meredith have come up with are actually quite good, very helpful and concise.
However, we have a big job ahead of us, and when you take into account what we are trying to achieve here, starting out by creating new definitions seems to me to be a mistake. On principle we should be pointing as much as is possible to the standards in all their vague glory, and only where it's absolutely clear that this is not going to work, to then start looking into definitions etc.
To continue to my relentless speil ... I don't see where the conflict really lies: DACS has just made the term 'devising' a little broader - In addition to the definition, you also need to take into account the Sources of Information statements in DACS:
When devising a title, take the information from any reliable source, including the internal evidence of the materials being described, an external source such as a records schedule or communication with a donor, or a title on another copy or version of the materials being described.
In addition, DCRM (G) and RDA aren't really in any conflict either, (with the exception of square brackets) neither include an actual glossary definition or 'supplied title' but both refer to it:
Thanks Glenn
Suzanne007
commented
4 years ago This issue can be closed as it was agreed that formal, supplied and devised titles would be covered in workshops.
Having looked at the DACS, ISAD(G) and DCRM(G), I now think that Meredith's definitions of formal, supplied and devised titles should be retained - they have subtle differences and help the cataloguer understand the range of sources that can be used for a title. The definitions don't have to be quoted exactly from the standards. Cataloguer training/workshops could emphasis that the standards use different definitions, which can overlap and which are sometimes used interchangeably.
Meredith and I have edited the definitions to align more closely with the definitions for formal and devised titles in DACS, but also incorporating supplied titles, as follows:
Formal title: A formal title is one that appears prominently on or in the materials being described, provided by the creator or creating body.
Supplied title: A supplied title is one that is supplied from another source where no title is provided by the creator or creating body on or in the materials being described. Possible sources include: published descriptions, catalogues, provenance records, inventories, advertisements or sponsorship agreements.
Devised title: A devised title is one provided by the archivist when there is no formal or supplied title for the materials being described or when the formal or supplied title is misleading or inadequate.