Where Are We Headed? Resource Description and Access, Bibliographic Framework, and the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records Library Reference Model

Column Editor's Notes

The “Advances in Library Data and Access” column examines technological advances internal and external to libraries. The focus is on how library data is created and used. The strength of the column is its broad, international focus and contributors are encouraged to explore issues and recent advances in information technology relevant to their geographical region, as well as the larger, global audience. Interested authors are invited to submit proposals and articles to the column editor at [email protected]. Please include “IILR Submission” in the subject line of the email.

ABSTRACT

Library cataloging and metadata are undergoing a major transformation. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institution's Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records Library Reference Model, the ongoing development of Resource Description and Access, and the Library of Congress' Bibliographic Framework initiative are the three programs currently underway which will, in all probability, profoundly affect how library bibliographic data is recorded, stored, and retrieved. These initiatives will also allow library holdings, for the first time, to be visible on the Web and discoverable for users, and, therefore, sharable with other cultural resource communities. What will library metadata look like in the next century? What knowledge and skills will be needed to navigate in this new world? Where are we headed?

KEYWORDS:

• FRBR-LRM
• BIBFRAME
• RDA
• RDF
• library metadata
• entity-relationship models