Overview

In this chapter, IFLA's Library Reference Model (IFLALRM), one of IFLA's emerging standards thatconsolidates previous standards of FRBR, FRAD andFRSAD, is discussed along with its entities andattributes. The difference between FRBR and LRM isexplained. The concept of Work is also discussed inthis section. Libraries and archives move fromrule-based cataloguing to a framework andmodel-based description. Frameworks and models areabstract representations with expressive power. FRBRand LRM follow more detailed recommendations andinstructions such as RDA. From RDA come specificcataloguing policies and application profiles and,finally, from application profiles, specifictemplates and workflows can be prepared to supportdayto-day cataloguing. LRM is a conceptual model andthus can be adapted based on institutionalrequirements. Hence, instead of being a singleuniversal standard, it provides a framework bydefining high-level entities – consolidating the oldcataloguing rules-based approach to a framework,from records to data, silos to metadatainteroperability.

The progression of the FRBR family of standards is asfollows:

• 1 FRBR (1997) Functional Requirements forBibliographic Records (FRBR – 1997)

• 2 Functional Requirements for Authority Data(FRAD – 2009)

• 3 Functional Requirements for Subject AuthorityData (FRSAD – 2010)

• 4 Library Reference Model (LRM – 2017).

Svenonius (2000, ix) notes that:

Put simply, what may appear to be a pedanticapplication of rules in library cataloguing isunderpinned by foundational principles that go backto the history of libraries themselves. This work oflaying foundational principles was pioneered byCutter, Panizzi, Ranganathan and Lubetzky(Svenonius, 2000). This work also further elaboratedand expanded with computers and the web. Thedevelopment of the Functional Requirements forBibliographic Records (FRBR) model and itssubsequent replacement by the IFLA Library ReferenceModel (LRM) is a keystone of current librarycataloguing and metadata.