Analysis of the FRBR model and its implications for new computer catalogs

The goal of the proposed project is to further investigate the FRBR model and its appropriateness for description of various types of documents, particularly electronic documents. Special emphasis will be given to visual data and attributes and relationships necessary for their full description and integration into computer catalogs.The central part of the project is a detailed study of implications of the new model for further development of library automation, particularly the cataloging module and OPAC. Differences from current policies and practice will be studied, resulting in guidelines for future development.Existing computer catalogs will have to be either merged with new catalogs or converted. Both approaches will be studied as well as the changes that have to be made in current cataloging practice and policies. FRBR catalog will become a different tool for end-users, therefore its effects on end-user searching will be studied as well.