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The key points in RDA are:

 

RDA 9.2.2.2

 

Determine a preferred name for person from the following sources (in order of preference):

a) the preferred sources of information (see 2.2.2[log in to unmask]" alt="http://access.rdatoolkit.org/images/rdalink.png">) in manifestations associated with the person

b) other formal statements appearing in manifestations associated with the person

c) other sources (including reference sources).

 

Note that category a) does not require that the person be the creator of the works manifested.  The manifestations are simply required to be “associated with the person.”  That could be a biography of the person in which her name appears in the title, the title frames of a documentary film, a website for the person, etc.

 

Even more important I think is 9.2.2.3:

 

When choosing a preferred name for person, generally choose the name by which the person is commonly known. The name chosen can be the person’s real name, pseudonym, title of nobility, nickname, initials, or other appellation.

 

RDA then gives more instructions on how to choose a preferred name for persons who are known by more than one name (9.2.2.6-9.2.2.8).

 

9.2.2.6 makes it very clear: If a person is known by more than one name, choose the name by which the person is clearly most commonly known.

 

Therefore, if Grace Kelly is clearly most commonly known as Grace Kelly, RDA is pretty clear to me that that is the preferred name to choose for her.

 

9.2.2.7 is the instruction that is relevant in this particular case:

 

If a person has changed his or her name, choose the latest name or form of name as a preferred name. Apply the same instruction for a person who has acquired and become known by a title of nobility (see also 9.2.2.17[log in to unmask]" alt="http://access.rdatoolkit.org/images/rdalink.png">).

 

This is where there is also the exception:

 

If there is reason to believe that an earlier name will persist as the name by which the person is better known, choose that name as a preferred name.

 

It seems clear to me that if a cataloger determines that she is now most commonly known as Grace Kelly, it would be legitimate to change the authorized access point.  Evidence in support of that could be how her name appears on title pages of biographies, credits of films, and reference sources (she is entered as Grace Kelly in Wikipedia, Biography.com, Encyclopaedia Britannica online, NNDB (Notable Names Database), and others). 

 

Adam Schiff

University of Washington Libraries

 

 

From: Program for Cooperative Cataloging [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kuperman, Aaron
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2017 11:14 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Meghan Markle

 

She doesn’t appear to have written anything (she’s an actress, not an author).  It is highly likely that if she “writes” a book as a British princess, it will be in the new choice of name - and it is unlikely she’ll ever appear as an actress portraying a character.   Also she was not as well known as Grace Kelly - meaning that within a short time her maiden name will be a triva question, not a useful access point.  Caroline Kennedy is not a relevant example since she continues to write (law books, among other things) using her maiden name (based on the transcription in the 245 field) so the rule is no different than any other married author who continues to use her maiden name professionally.

 

Aaron Kuperman, LC Law Cataloging Section.

This is not an official communication from my employer

 

 

From: Program for Cooperative Cataloging [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Adam L. Schiff
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2017 1:59 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [PCCLIST] Meghan Markle

 

Yes, just as in AACR2 there is a provision that if a person is best known by their previous name that would be the preferred name and the basis for the authorized access point.  And if Grace Kelly is still best known by that name, then in RDA that would be her preferred name and her authority record could be changed.  I believe the example in RDA is Caroline Kennedy (am at home atm and haven't checked RDA).

 

Adam Schiff

Principal Cataloger

University of Washington Libraries.


From: Program for Cooperative Cataloging <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of John Lavalie <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 26, 2017 10:42:23 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Meghan Markle

 

When she marries and changes her name to Meghan, princess of ..., is there a provision where we could leave her heading as is, at least until she starts publishing under her royal name?

 

It's the same problem with Grace Kelly.  I think we do a disservice to the users by calling her Grace when most (all?) of the usage was as Grace Kelly.

 

 

 

John Lavalie | Cataloging and Metadata Specialist | Des Plaines Public Library | www.dppl.org