International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD)

Introduction: The International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) is a globally recognized set of guidelines and standards that serve as the cornerstone for the bibliographic description and cataloging of various information resources. Developed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), ISBD provides a systematic framework for capturing and organizing essential bibliographic elements, such as title, authorship, publication details, and physical characteristics. By adhering to ISBD principles, librarians and catalogers worldwide ensure consistent and coherent representation of bibliographic information, enabling efficient access and retrieval of resources across diverse library systems and information environments. As an indispensable tool for international cooperation and standardization in cataloging, ISBD plays a vital role in facilitating the exchange and sharing of information on a global scale.

1.1 The International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD)

The International Conference on Cataloguing Principles (ICCP) (commonly known as “Paris Principles), was held in Paris in October 1961 under the auspices of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). Its goal was to serve as a basis for international standardization in cataloguing has undoubtedly been achieved: most of the cataloguing codes that were developed worldwide since that time have followed the Principles strictly or at least to a high degree (IFLA-2016). It also emphasizes the need for standardization in bibliographic descriptions.

To solve the problem, the International Meeting on Cataloguing Experts (ICME), sponsored by IFLA and held in Copenhagen in 1969, formed a committee to study standardization problems in the bibliographic description. The committee established a basis for internationally uniform descriptive cataloguing practices and a working group to develop an International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD). The committee submitted its report at a meeting in Liverpool in 1971, which is known as the International Standard Bibliographic Description (Monograph) {ISBD (M)}. The first edition of ISBD appeared in 1971, and further specialist groups were formed in subsequent years. The ISBD program has been IFLA’s major contribution to bibliographic standardization and was a central part of the program for Universal Bibliographic Control. (Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary – Page: 381)

Published ISBDs are:

1.2 About ISBD:

The International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) is a comprehensive set of guidelines developed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to establish a standardized and human-readable format for bibliographic descriptions. Specifically designed for use in bibliographies and library catalogs, ISBD aims to promote universal bibliographic control, ensuring that essential bibliographic data for all published resources in any country can be promptly and universally accessible in a format accepted worldwide (Wikipedia). ISBD’s core objective has been to foster consistency when sharing bibliographic information since its inception.

At its heart, ISBD seeks to facilitate international compatibility in descriptive cataloging, facilitating the seamless exchange of bibliographic records among national bibliographic agencies and the broader global library and information community. With precision in mind, ISBD focuses on accurate transcriptions of title pages and related information, enabling easy identification of distinct works and various editions of the same work (BYRUM, 2005). The ISBD also ensures the meticulous recording of publication data, simplifying information exchange. It dedicates attention to critical aspects such as authorship, title, publisher, and price, which must be readily available and identifiable on any published resource (Enang, 2008). By adhering to ISBD guidelines, information professionals can confidently and consistently catalog resources, promoting effective bibliographic control on an international scale.

1.3 Structure of ISBD:

The structure of ISBD, a standard established by IFLA, aims to enhance the consistency of bibliographic descriptions across diverse applications. It fulfills two key functions: first, by outlining the selection and arrangement of data elements to be recorded, and second, by prescribing the appropriate punctuation for the bibliographic description. ISBD is organized into eight distinct “areas” of description, each serving a specific purpose:

1. Title and statement of responsibility area
2. Edition area
3. Material or type of resource-specific area
4. Publication, production, distribution, etc., area
5. Physical description area
6. Series area
7. Note area
8. Resource identifier and terms of availability area

ISBD offers a systematic approach to cataloging information resources within this structured framework, ensuring clarity and coherence in bibliographic representation across various contexts.

1.4 Objectives of ISBD:

The objectives of ISBD are twofold:

1. Consolidation and Updating: The primary objective of ISBD is to prepare a consolidated and updated standard by integrating the specialized ISBDs (International Standard Bibliographic Descriptions) for various types of resources. This consolidation aims to meet the needs of catalogers and other users of bibliographic information. Combining the different specialized ISBDs, ISBD ensures a unified and comprehensive approach to bibliographic description, making it more accessible and user-friendly.
2. Consistent and Specific Description: Another key objective of ISBD is to provide consistent stipulations for describing all types of resources to the extent possible, ensuring uniformity in bibliographic records. ISBD also incorporates specific stipulations tailored to the unique characteristics of specific types of resources. This approach allows catalogers to accurately and comprehensively describe various resources, taking into account their specific attributes and features. By offering precise guidelines, ISBD enhances the quality and accuracy of bibliographic information, promoting effective resource discovery and access for users.

1.5 Principles of ISBD:

• The fundamental principle guiding the ISBD is to establish compatible and consistent descriptive cataloging practices worldwide, facilitating the seamless exchange of bibliographic records among national bibliographic agencies, international library communities, and relevant stakeholders, such as producers and publishers.
• ISBD accommodates various levels of description required by diverse entities, including national bibliographic agencies, national bibliographies, universities, and research collections, ensuring its applicability to various cataloging contexts.
• The ISBD emphasizes the specification of descriptive elements necessary for accurately identifying and selecting a resource, enhancing the precision and usefulness of bibliographic information.
• Rather than focusing on the display or utilization of elements in a particular automated system, ISBD centers on defining the set of information elements itself, ensuring its relevance and adaptability across various cataloging systems.
• In developing the stipulations, ISBD considers cost-effective practices, ensuring practical and efficient cataloging processes while maintaining high standards of bibliographic description.

History of ISBD:

Reference:

• • Enang, U. U. (2008). The Use of International Standard Bibliographic Description The Use of International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) and the Quality of Books Published in Nigeria (ISBD) and the Quality of Books Published in Nigeria Library Philosophy and Practice 2008 The Use of International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) and the Quality of Books Published in Nigeria. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/libphilprac
  • Cataloguing Section, I. (2010). International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD). http://www.ifap.ru
  • Harrod, L. M. (2005). Harrod’s Librarians’ Glossary and Reference Book. Ashgate.
  • International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) – Free Online NTA UGC NET Guide Book December 2020. (n.d.). Retrieved September 25, 2020, from http://www.netugc.com/international-standard-bibliographic-description-isbd
  • Wikipedia. (2020). International Standard Bibliographic Description. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Standard_Bibliographic_Description