ALCTS E-forum on Training for Resource Description and Access

In mid-May ALCTS sponsored an e-forum on training for RDA.  The forum was focused around four areas of discussion:  
-Large libraries with more resources.
-Small libraries with fewer resource.
-Training needs of professional staff/original catalogers.
-Training needs of support staff/copy catalogers and non-cataloging staff.

Libraries are using many strategies to manage the transition to RDA.  These include forming task forces to handle RDA implementation and training, self-study, using Library of Congress online training materials, attending external training or hiring trainers to run sessions on site, and taking for-fee online courses.

Training tips included:
-Identify/create format specific documentation.
-Use mappings available in the RDA Toolkit to help transition staff members.
-Introduce RDA and FRBR concepts over time - don't expect to make an instant transition.
-Remember that learning styles differ and provide access to training materials that work for differing learning styles.
-Be creative!
-Decide on and document local policies.

An archive and summary of the eforum are available.

ALCTS sponsors e-forums on a regular basis.  They conducted as e-mail discussions and are freely available.  See http://lists.ala.org/wws/info/alcts-eforum for more information.

WorldCat Metadata API allows libraries to create their own cataloging applications

WorldCat Metadata API available on the OCLC WorldShare Platform.

OCLC member libraries can use the WorldCat Metadata API to conveniently add and enrich WorldCat records and to maintain WorldCat holdings information and local bibliographic data. Libraries can now  create new applications using the WorldCat Metadata API to manage their cataloging workflows. As always, libraries can continue to catalog their collections in WorldCat using OCLC-built applications, such as Connexion and the upcoming WorldShare Metadata Record Manager.  However, it's pretty exciting that the WorldCat Metadata API enables libraries to manage WorldCat data through integration with library- and partner-built applications.