Conducting the Opera: The Evolution of the RDA Work to the Share-VDE Opus and BIBFRAME Hub

Abstract

This paper examines recent developments in the use of Resource Description and Access Work, BIBFRAME Hub, and Share-VDE Opus (referred to collectively as Opera) in bibliographic description. These Opera will be discussed to capture the current state of developments in this area, but also make recommendations for a path forward as we reach a confluence with these parallel developments. With a new version of the Official RDA, and many libraries working towards BIBFRAME implementation this is a good point of reflection, where scientific analysis of conceptions of Opera have been further developed through initiatives at the Library of Congress (LC), and Share-VDE. Past discussions comparing the RDA and BIBFRAME models have focused on compatibility issues, but this paper will attempt at framing the differences as part of a developmental trajectory.