A cataloging standard used to describe bibliographic records to enable cross-library discovery is which concept?

• A. Resource Description and Access (RDA)
• B. Library Classification Systems
• C. Print Materials
• D. Digital Resources

Answer: (A)

Describing bibliographic resources in a way that makes them easily discoverable across libraries relies on a standardized cataloging framework. Resource Description and Access (RDA) is that framework, designed to describe all types of resources so they can be found, identified, and accessed across different catalogs and formats. It emphasizes clear metadata about what the resource is, who created it, when it was made, and how it relates to other works, helping users connect related items in separate library catalogs. Other options point to organizational tools or formats rather than the descriptive standard itself: classification systems organize items for browsing, while print materials and digital resources refer to formats, not the cataloging rules used to describe them.