A conceptual model giving primacy to expression-level bibliographic entity in cataloging

This paper proposes a conceptual model for cataloging which gives primacy to expression-level bibliographic entity, with the aim of approaching critical issues in cataloging, such as the so-called “format variations” and “content versus carrier” issues. The term “expression” is defined as “the intellectual or artistic realization of a work in the form of alpha-numeric, musical, or choreographic notation, etc.” In this paper, the model by the IFLA Study Group on Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) is first re-examined and at the same time the outline of a new model giving primacy to expression-level entity is illustrated by indicating differences from the FRBR model. Second, by applying the concept “user tasks,” found in the FRBR model, to the new model outlined in this paper, a scenario on how entities are used by users is created. Third, some examples of bibliographic record equivalents in line with the new model are shown.