Cataloging maps using RDA in bibliographic framework: An applied study on the available materials in South Valley University Libraries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

10.21608/qarts.2025.402093.2271

Abstract

This study aims to apply the Resource Description and Access (RDA) standard in cataloging maps within the modern bibliographic framework (BIBFRAME), as a tool for unifying cataloging practices and enhancing integration with the digital environment. The research problem stems from the absence of a guiding manual for cataloging maps in academic libraries, which negatively affects the quality and discoverability of bibliographic data online.



The study adopts a descriptive-analytical approach using a comprehensive survey of all maps available in the libraries of South Valley University in Qena, totaling 103 maps distributed among the Qubba Library, the Faculty of Arts Library, and the Faculty of Archaeology Library. It applies RDA rules using the RDA Toolkit and the bibliographic framework via Marva editor, supported by a checklist including 9 work fields and 7 instance fields.



The study seeks to answer questions related to the characteristics of maps, the application of RDA rules in their cataloging, the extent to which existing bibliographic records align with BIBFRAME fields, and the challenges facing cataloging specialists. It aims to enhance the quality of bibliographic data and its compatibility with the semantic web environment, while proposing practical solutions to the identified challenges.



The importance of the study lies in its contribution to the limited Arabic research literature on map cataloging using RDA, offering practical models to guide catalogers, . The study covers the period from 2022 to mid-2025, focusing on paper maps in various languages (Arabic, English, French).



Keywords: Map cataloging, RDA standard, BIBFRAME, academic libraries.

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