Use of the plural in RDA element names

[lizoknj]

There are perhaps a dozen instances (I am still compiling a list) in the instructions of an element name appearing with a plural rather than singular noun. As Michelle pointed out yesterday, RDA element names are always in the singular, not the plural.

Here are some examples (I am using angled brackets to indicate the hyperlinked element names, since it’s such a pain to insert the hyperlinks):

5.2.36.1 Transcribe as they appear on the source of information.

5.215.31.2 Transcribe remaining as parallel places of publication.

3.22.36.1 If a Designation [this is capitalized in the text, but not hyperlinked] of edition appears on the source of information in more than one language or script, transcribe the statement that is in the language or script of the title proper. If this criterion does not apply, transcribe the statement that appears first in the manifestation. Transcribe the remaining statement(s) as (see 3.225.3.1). Make a to indicate the original position on the source of information of any transposed statements (see 3.26.31.2).

Possible ways to get around this—it may require several different approaches:

1. Add “each” or “every” before the element name, e.g.:

    5.2.36.1  Transcribe each <Date of publication> as it appears on the source of information.

2. In the instruction, use both the type of bibliographic information unit (which would be a common noun) and the element name, e.g.:

   5.215.31.2 Transcribe remaining places of publication in the <Parallel place of publication> element.

3. Refer to the bibliographic unit using the common noun instead of the element name, and then just use the rule number for the element, e.g.:

3.22.36.1 If a Designation of edition appears on the source of information in more than one language or script, transcribe the statement that is in the language or script of the title proper. If this criterion does not apply, transcribe the statement that appears first in the manifestation. Transcribe the remaining statement(s) as parallel designations of edition (see 3.225.3.1). Make a to indicate the original position on the source of information of any transposed statements (see 3.26.31.2).

Thoughts?

Liz O'Keefe

[elizhobart]

I think you're probably right that this may require multiple approaches, depending on the context. My preference is 2, with a slight tweak: "Transcribe remaining places of publication as a ." As cataloging moves (eventually) out of MARC, each place may be recorded in a separate parallel place of publication element, so I want to allow for the possibility of multiple parallel place of publication elements.