On the new conceptual model of the bibliographic universe: the FRBR Library Reference Model

Abstract

This discussion of the FRBR library reference model is based on the text issued for world-wide review in 2016. It highlights some of the areas in which FRBR-LRM innovates with respect to the previous models in the FRBR family and provides some of the considerations that led the Consolidation editorial group to the solutions adopted. FRBR-LRM adds hierarchical structure among entities which permits the streamlining of relationships and attributes. The model can be expanded for implementation through the addition of attributes and relationships and by sub-typing entities or relationships. The definitions of the four WEMI entities were reworked so as to stand independently, without reference to each other, still covering the same essential meanings and roles in the model. FRBR-LRM prefers relationships to attributes when possible, which considerably reduces the number of attributes.