Abstract:
Resource Description and Access (RDA) is defined as a cataloguing tool consisting of new rules derived from the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules II (AACR2). The aim of the study was to explore RDA utilisation among cataloguers in selected academic libraries of previously disadvantaged universities in South Africa. The study was conducted at the University of Limpopo, University of Venda and University of Fort Hare. The study used the interpretivist paradigm, descriptive design and a qualitative research approach. Focus group discussions were used to collect data from 13 participants, while content analysis was used for the evaluation of 15 catalogue records obtained from the participated academic libraries of the researched universities. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and direct quotations. The findings revealed that the participants were using RDA to catalogue information resources in the academic libraries. It was further revealed that two universities started using RDA in 2013 and one university started using it in 2016. Data from the catalogued records also revealed that the majority of the catalogue records were created using RDA, However, few catalogue records were still recorded using AACR2. The study concluded that RDA is highly utilized at the universities; however, not entirely, because some catalogue records were still recorded in AACR2. The study recommended, among others, the use of artificial intelligence technologies such as MarcEdit to convert the AACR2 catalogue records to RDA, since AACR2 records were still found in the catalogues of the investigated universities. The study also recommended that universities should ensure that the participants attend continuous RDA workshop/training opportunities to ensure that they are up to date with the recent changes made to RDA rules, since its rules are continuously updated.
