FRBRization: a Method for Turning Online Public Finding Lists into Online Public Catalogs

Problems users are having searching for known works in current OPACs are summarized, and it is suggested that a better understanding of AACR2R/MARC 21 authority, bibliographic, and holdings records would allow us to FRBR-ize our current OPACs using existing records. The presence of work and expression identifiers in bibliographic and authority records is analyzed. Recommendations are made concerning better indexing and display of works and expression/manifestations. Questions are raised about the appropriateness for the creation of true catalogs of client-server technology which delivers records over the Internet.