The title statement has never been that optimal for collocating works,
because even when it's not been left to cataloger judgement but has been
recorded according to very specific rules -- they were rules based on
how the title was printed on the item-in-hand (manifestation), which
isn't neccesarily uniform accross works. Still, some algorithms try to
make use of the 'title proper' in collocating works anyway, but it's
very imperfect. I don't think allowing more cataloger judgement in
manifestation 'title proper' will make things much worse for work
collocation based on title proper (although i could be wrong).
I think you're exactly right that some kind of 'authority file' (which
contemporarily might be called simply a 'work identifier' instead) is
the key to collocating works. But I am also not quite sure how 'we' get
from here to there. But I don't see changing standards for title proper
probably being an impediment.
On 10/17/2012 5:58 PM, Lisa McColl wrote:
I just attended an introductory webinar about RDA given by Chris Oliver.
I'm wondering what changes RDA has that will help promote the
collocation of the work entity. Is there an eye towards a web based
authority file like VIAF, but for works, that can be integrated with our
records? When Ms. Oliver spoke about particulars of the title statement
being left to cataloger judgement, it seemed to me a move away from the
uniformity that will be needed for computers to be able to compile and
comb our data and group works.
Thank you,
Lisa
