The Ship Has Sailed and We Aren't On It: How Catalogers Could Support User Tasks and Why We Won’t

Abstract

The article begins by describing the possible characteristics of a catalog interface built to leverage a future FRBR bibliographic framework and discussing the viability of a FRBR-ized catalog interface. The author then examines current trends in interface design, which leverage conventional cataloging data structures. This survey of the literature is followed by recommendations for adapting cataloging practices to enhance the efficacy of current interface designs. The author concludes by proposing that catalogers have a choice to make about the direction of functional cataloging initiatives.

KEYWORDS:

• cataloging
• cataloging interface design
• FRBR
• functional requirements for bibliographic records
• next generation catalogs