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Section 1 - Preface

This Data Entry Manual provides background information and rules to enable participants in the RPLS/DRA Online Catalog to create MARC title and item records that are consistent and complete.  All member library staff participating in entering bibliographic records into DRA should be familiar with the contents of this manual and should observe its guidelines at all times.

This manual is intended for use in conjunction with the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, second edition, 1988 revision (AACRII).  The guidelines in this manual are based on AACRII but are much less detailed.  During data entry of a complex item it is very possible that information beyond that given in this manual may be needed for a complete and correct entry.

The guidelines in this manual are reviewed and interpreted by the DRA Users' Group Database Standards Committee.  The manual is in a loose-leaf format to allow for periodic updates by the committee.  Interpretations and reminders from the committee can also be found in the RPLS publication Entry Points.  If you have questions about any of the rules or information in this manual call Patsy Walters, telephone 241-0413, e-mail: pwalters@theramp.net, or any other current member of the Database Standards Committee.