While Part I of RAD provides guidelines for the preparation of multi-level descriptions for archival records, Part II is concerned with providing access to these records. This is accomplished through assigning terms by which the completed descriptive record may be searched and identified. According to Wendy Duff, it is through the creation of consistent access points that the goals of standardized archival descriptive practice are ultimately realized. The uniqueness of records has traditionally prevented archives from taking advantage of the cost benefits accrued from the derivative cataloguing practiced by libraries.
Access points can be the names of persons, families or corporate bodies.
RAD does not address the issue of subject access. Chapter 21 explains that all access points are formed based on the body of complete archival descriptions, and in most cases specifically chosen from the name element in the title proper. The first step in the process is to choose an access point at the appropriate level. The primary access point is made at the fonds level according to the provenance of the records. Secondary access points may be formed for archival creators, authors, or custodians who have had a significant impact on the fonds.