Describing Music Materials: A Manual for Resource Description of Printed and Recorded Music and Music Videos

(Paperback, Fourth Edition)

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This fourth edition was prepared in 2015-2016 as a supplementary text for a graduate music cataloging course. This edition is rewritten to a large extent to conform to the new instructions and paradigms represented in Resource Description and Access (RDA). RDA instructions for printed music, recorded music and music video are accompanied by advice, examples, illustrations and complete catalog records, including versions in MARC21 format. Consistent with RDA, the chapter on form and choice of access points found in earlier editions is gone, replaced with a chapter on authorized access points. The concept of uniform title has evolved into the concept of the preferred title, as part of an authorized access point, which might require manipulation and addition of some elements for disambiguation and collocation. Only three chapters are used for description of printed music, sound recordings and video recordings. Many of the older LP examples were removed as were VHS video recordings. Multimedia packages are now rare in the marketplace, but streaming audio and video are quite evident so examples now include those media. Facsimile examples from the third edition have been retained and many new examples have been added. Most catalogers today are using RDA in combination with MARC21. Accordingly, in an appendix, we have rendered each example in MARC21 format using the OCLC Connexion approach to MARC21 record formatting.A lengthy bibliography in earlier editions has been replaced by a brief list in the introduction, with pointers to online resources that are both current and constantly updated by working catalogers.

Reviews

We should be grateful to Smiraglia and his collaborator Jihee Beakfor undertaking the task of RDA-izing the book and realigning the rule references to conform with the RDA Toolkit as it stood at December 2015. Between them the authors have ensured that this practical how-to manual can guide a fresh generation through the intricacies, challenges, and pleasures that constitute the art and science of music cataloguing. * CAML Review *
Describing Music Materials, 4th edition, is the long-awaited update of the authoritative guide to music cataloging written by internationally known knowledge organization expert Richard P. Smiraglia, currently a professor at the School of Information Studies, University of WisconsinMilwaukee. Although this edition was prepared as a supplementary textbook for a music cataloging course, it will be useful beyond that audienceto anyone seeking to broaden their knowledge of the application of instructions from RDA: Resource Description and Access to music materials. Smiraglia does a great job of clearly explaining various RDA and musical concepts, which is expected given the history and intended audience for the book. The use of real-world examples (with facsimile illustrations) is extremely helpful for catalogers learning to connect the information found in a resource to the instructions given in RDA. Each of the full-level examples is annotated as to the decisions made, giving references to the appropriate RDA instruction. Describing Music Materials is recommended for students and catalogers seeking guidance in the application of RDA to music materials in all formats. * Technicalities *
Smiraglias indispensable guides to cataloging music have maintained a place on catalogers and instructors bookshelves for decades. Smiraglias incisive commentary, including an introductory outline and concluding summary for each chapter, and explanatory text accompanying examples, is what gives the book added value for the non-specialist or novice cataloger. In the fine tradition of previous editions, this book will be an invaluable resource for instructors and students, non-specialist and novice catalogers, and those looking for an introduction to the treatment of music in RDA. Rather more regrettably, like its earlier manifestations, its usefulness remains effectively limited to physical materials; many will want to supplement it with other aids to online resources. * Technical Services Quarterly *

Author Bio

Richard P. Smiraglia is Professor at the School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, past Associate Researcher with the eHumanities Group (Royal Netherlands Academy of the Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam), and is currently Editor-in-chief of the journal Knowledge Organization, published by Ergon-Verlag of Wrzburg, Germany. He is the author of Cultural Synergy in Information Institutions (Springer 2014), Domain Analysis for Knowledge Organization (Chandos/Elsevier 2015), The Elements of Knowledge Organization (Springer 2014), The Nature of A Work (Scarecrow 2001), and three earlier editions of Describing Music Materials and Music Cataloging (Libraries Unlimited 1989).