Mental models of the bibliographic universe. Part 1: mental models of descriptions
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present the results of the first two tasks of a user study looking into mental models of the bibliographic universe and especially their comparison to the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) conceptual model, which has not yet been user tested.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employes a combination of techniques for eliciting mental models and consisted of three tasks, two of which, card sorting and concept mapping, are presented herein. Its participants were 30 individuals residing in the general area of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Findings
Cumulative results of concept mapping show a strong resemblance to FRBR. Card sorts did not produce conclusive results. In both tasks, participants paid special attention to the original expression, indicating that a special place for it should be considered.
Research limitations/implications
The study was performed using a relatively small sample of participants living in a geographically limited space using relatively straight‐forward examples.
Practical implications
Some solid evidence is provided for adoption of FRBR as the conceptual basis for cataloguing.
Originality/value
This is the first widely published user study of FRBR, applying novel methodological approaches in the field of Library and Information Science.
Keywords
Citation
Pisanski, J. and Žumer, M. (2010), "Mental models of the bibliographic universe. Part 1: mental models of descriptions", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 66 No. 5, pp. 643-667. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220411011066772
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited