The 2013 Revision of RDA: Resource Description and Access represents a reissue of the base volume of RDA. Since its initial publication in 2010, RDA has undergone three types of revision—annual RDA updates, periodic Fast Track changes, and a one-time rewording. All three types of revisions are included in the 2013 revision. RDA Toolkit subscribers receive all revisions automatically as part of their subscription.

The Joint Steering Committee for Development of RDA issued updates to the content of RDA in April 2012 and July 2013. These annual RDA updates contain approved proposals from JSC meetings held in November of 2012 and 2013. The details of the changes that the JSC made to RDA are available for RDA Toolkit subscribers through the RDA update history section found at the bottom of the RDA tab in RDA Toolkit. Those changes are also available in the “Sec final” versions of the proposals posted on the JSC web site (www.rda-jsc.org). The 2013 revision includes the complete 2012 and 2013 RDA updates.

Fast Track changes are minor changes and corrections of typographical errors that have been reviewed by the JSC Secretary. Fast Track changes are made to RDA whenever there is a new release of RDA Toolkit. Complete lists of all Fast Track changes can be found on the JSC website in the Secretary Document Series. The 2013 revision includes all Fast Track changes from the initial release of RDA in 2010 through July 2013.

In 2011 the U.S. RDA Test Committee recommended implementation of RDA on the condition that several goals be met, including a rewording of the RDA text so that it would be clearer and more accessible to its cataloging audience. The rewording was done by Chris Oliver and reviewed by both the JSC and in part by the US RDA Test Committee. The rewording of RDA was completed with the May 2013 release of RDA Toolkit. learn more about the rewording process at www.rdatoolkit.org/reword. The 2013 revision includes the full text of the rewording of RDA.