By Edward Hirst

Rowan Public Library

RDA or Resource Description and Access is a new cataloging standard that will upgrade the online catalog at Rowan Public Library after the New Year.

The purpose of this standard is to provide a set of guidelines and instructions to support resource discovery. It is designed to focus attention on the catalog user and the tasks he or she carries out when searching the library online catalog.

There have been many changes in cataloging over the past 50 years and not just because of the growth of new types of publications and new types of content, but also because we live in an online networked world that has changed the way the library and its users go about their work.

RDA was designed by the library community for its use, but one of the stated goals was that RDA should also “be capable of adaptation to meet the specific needs of other communities.” One of the requirements was a framework that would be flexible enough to allow description of all types of resources, whether traditional library resources, or resources from other cultural communities, such as digital archives or museums.

The possibility of using RDA in a broader range of contexts is also evident in its definition as a “content” standard, and its adaptability for use in an international context.

RDA is the product of international cooperation between four countries: Australia, Canada, Great Britain and the United States. However, “use in an international context” means the potential to be used by many countries around the world, not just by the four that developed the standard.

RDA is a key component for the improvement of resource discovery because it guides the recording of data. It is designed to produce data that can be stored, searched and retrieved in traditional catalogs and it is also designed for use on the Web with new database technologies. It positions the library to take advantage of the networked online world, and to make library data widely visible, discoverable, and usable.

Sharpie tie-dye for teens: All programs 5:30-7 p.m. Free and open to middle and high school teens. Light refreshments served. For more information call 704-216-8234. South, Tuesday;  headquarters,  Jan. 20;  East,  Jan. 27.

Computer classes: Computer Basics: If you’re new to computers – or if you’ve just never felt comfortable – Computer Basics is for you.  We’ll go over the very basics, from discussing computer components to how programs are opened and closed. Classes are free. Sessions are about 90 minutes long. Class size is limited and on a first come, first served basis. Dates and times at all locations are subject to change without notice. Call 704-216-8242 for more information. Headquarters, Tuesday, 7 p.m.; and Jan. 29, 9:30 a.m.

Lego day: For years, Legos have been one of the top children’s toys for developing creativity, imagination, systematic reasoning and problem solving skills. The library’s Lego collection will be available for children’s free play at 10 a.m. on Saturdays in January. East, Jan. 10; Headquarters, Jan. 17 and 31; South, Jan. 24. 

Lego movie matinee: Come join us for the free family friendly PG rated movie. Free popcorn and lemonade. Children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. The movie is 1 hour and 40 minutes long. Headquarters, Jan. 10, 2 p.m.;  East, Jan. 24, 10:30 a.m.; South, Jan. 24, 12:30 p.m.

Anime/Manga interest group meeting: Headquarters, Jan.13, 4:30 p.m. Free and open to middle- and high-school teens interested in Anime, Manga and comic books. In the Hurley Room. Call 704-216-8229 for more information.

“Got Plans?” workshop: South Branch, Jan.  26, 5:45 p.m. Free and open to the public.  Learn about essential documents such as power of attorney, living wills and other important papers families should have access to at time of need.  Notebooks and forms will be provided to help you get started. Led by Don Timmons. This program is open to all ages; participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration for each workshop is recommended. To register or learn more about this program, call 704-216-7734.

Richard Smith concert: Headquarters, (Stanback Auditorium) — Jan. 27, 7 p.m. Join us for a special musical concert featuring guitarist Richard Smith, who has toured around the world surprising audiences with his incredible range of musical styles from country, bluegrass, mainstream jazz, modern pop and rock, to classical guitar.  Admission is free, and all are welcome. Program starts at 7 p.m.; doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Book Bites Club: South (only),  Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m.,  “The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party” by Alexander McCall Smith. Book discussion groups for both adults and children at South Rowan Regional Library meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is openand anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information, please call 704-216-7841.

Special RPL Book Sale: South Rowan Regional Library.  Come find a bargain in a special RPL book sale featuring mostly children’s and adult nonfiction books. Prices range from 50 cents to $2, and books will be priced to move toward the end of the sale. Friday, Jan. 30, Saturday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb.  2,  9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Library closings: Jan. 19, all RPL locations closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second  language.