As a widely used content standard in public libraries, I thought it would be worthwhile to explore Resource Description and Access (RDA) for this assignment. Completed in about 3 hours, I researched papers relating to attitudes of librarians towards RDA and its uptake in libraries before writing this analysis on Google Docs.
In this analysis I highlighted the intended audience by highlighting its paywall and integrated scholarly discussions on its limits as someone who did not have access to the content standard. I instead focused attention on primary source research regarding the maintenance of the system, which was more readily available online.
I did not submit this assignment in time for the peer review swap, but did receive feedback from Dr. Bullard. She did not highlight any aspects to change, but I would in retrospect have written a concluding paragraph for the analysis. I would also have been interesting to explore the cultural and historical background of the content standard as it relates to its effects on the uptake of the system by public libraries.
iSchool Graduate Competencies
Below is a self-identified list of competencies that this activity engages as it aligns with the iSchool MLIS Graduate Competencies:
5. Reflect in an informed and critical manner on information infrastructures and practices, acknowledging the role of power and privilege, the ongoing influence of colonization, and the value of diverse worldviews
At the time of writing, I am unsure if I will pursue a career in public libraries, however I think it is valuable to analyze wide-spread systems such as RDA in assignments like this to give me a better understanding of where the profession is currently. I thought that I could find more articles related to RDA that would give me something to analyze critically, but was instead met with the paywall. I do appreciate that I was able to shift gears towards more readily available information, and hope that I can bring this flexibility forward in other assignments and tasks.