CC:DA/TF/Consistency/1/Draft Task Force on Consistency across Part I of AACR2: Draft Charge

Abstract

In the ALA response to the Alpha Prototype of a Reorganized Part I of AACR (4JSC/Chair/75/ALA response, Sept. 12, 2001), ALA offered to undertake a major editorial review of the rules in Part I. The Alpha Prototype graphically illustrated the extent to which rules are identical across chapters in Part I and, conversely, the extent to which there are inconsistencies and discrepancies. Similar inconsistencies had been identified by Tom Delsey in The Logical Structure of AACR Part I. The ALA response suggested that we examine the rules in detail and reconcile unnecessary differences in wording, that we look for cases in which a general rule in Chapter 1 would be appropriate, and finally to survey what specific rules existed for what categories of content, carrier and publication pattern. JSC (see 4JSC/M/441.9 & 10) asked ALA to undertake this work. They further asked that we present specific proposals (not discussion papers) and that we document cases in which we decided that the inconsistency or discrepancy was justified. Understanding that this is a massive project, they asked us to submit revision proposals as parts of the job are completed; they agreed with the suggestion that grouping proposals by ISBD area would be a good way to proceed. It should be understood that this is a nuts-and-bolts editorial task, not a creative one. Task Force members with editorial skills will be valuable, as will those familiar with the various chapters in Part I.