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Program for Cooperative Cataloging

The Library of Congress > Cataloging, Acquisitions > PCC > Official RDA Implementation FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions on Official RDA Implementation

The PCC RDA Implementation Task Group is developing recommendations for PCC’s implementation of the official RDA Toolkit. This page will be updated as recommendations are approved.

  1. What is official RDA versus original RDA?
  2. What documentation and training will PCC provide?
  3. What documentation and training are currently available from PCC?
  4. What is PCC doing to prepare for official RDA implementation?
  5. When should PCC institutions plan to implement the official RDA Toolkit?
  6. Where should I send questions and feedback?

  1. What is official RDA versus original RDA?

    The original RDA Toolkit (https://original.rdatoolkit.org/) was based on the FRBR, FRAD, and FRSAD conceptual models and is the version we have been using in our cataloging for the past decade or so. After IFLA consolidated FRBR, FRAD, and FRSAD into the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM), the RDA Toolkit underwent a Restructure and Redesign Project (3R Project) to, in part, align RDA with LRM and improve the Toolkit functionality. The new version of the RDA Toolkit is known as the official RDA Toolkit (https://access.rdatoolkit.org/).

    For additional information, see Module 2: Development and Basics of RDA as part of the Phase 1: PCC Introductory RDA Training.

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  2. What documentation and training will PCC provide?

    As part of its implementation of the official RDA Toolkit, the Program for Cooperative Cataloging (PCC) is committed to providing documentation and training, including the following:

    • LC-PCC Policy Statements (LC-PCC PSs)
    • Metadata Guidance Documentation (MGDs)
    • Metadata Application Profiles (MAPs)
    • Training for cataloging print and electronic books and serials
    • Training for creating and updating LC/NACO authority records

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  3. What documentation and training are currently available from PCC?

    As of February 2024, the following documentation and training are available from PCC:

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  4. What is PCC doing to prepare for official RDA implementation?

    As of July 2025, PCC is working on the following tasks to prepare for official RDA implementation:

    • Reviewing and updating LC-PCC PSs and MGDs based on feedback from the PCC RDA test and the PCC RDA Communications Committee
    • Updating BIBCO and CONSER Standard Record (BSR, CSR) Metadata Application Profiles
    • Reviewing additional documentation that needs to be updated for official RDA
    • Developing training for cataloging print and electronic books, as well as creating and updating LC/NACO authority records

    For a complete list of tasks, see PCC Official RDA Implementation Tasks (external link).

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  5. When should PCC institutions plan to implement the official RDA Toolkit?

    The PCC Policy Committee announced that PCC will have a rolling implementation from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2027. This 3-year rolling implementation will allow institutions to transition to the official RDA Toolkit before the removal of the original RDA Toolkit.

    As PCC continues to prepare for official RDA implementation, dates will be announced when BIBCO, CONSER, and NACO records can be created using official RDA. These dates will vary for each program based on the availability of documentation and training. Furthermore, institutions will be given sufficient time to review the documentation and training before they implement official RDA.

    Until instructed otherwise, PCC records should continue to be created using the original RDA Toolkit.

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  6. Where should I send questions and feedback?

    Questions and feedback, including revisions to LC-PCC Policy Statements and Metadata Guidance Documentation, can be submitted using the PCC RDA Communications Committee Feedback Form.

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