Uniform Title in Theory and in Slovenian and Croatian Cataloguing Practice

Abstract

ABSTRACTPurpose: The paper investigates the importance and development of uniform title that enables collocation in the library catalogue. Research results on use of uniform titles in two union catalogues, the Slovenian COBISS and the Croatian CROLIST are also presented.Methodology/approach: Theoretical apects of the uniform title are treated: for the first time by Panizzi, then in the Paris Principles being the basis for the Verona's cataloguing code; in the latest International Cataloguing Principles including conceptual models Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) and Functional Requirements for Authority Data (FRAD); and last but not least in the international cataloguing code Resource Description and Access (RDA). To find out whether the uniform titles are used consistently according to the Verona's cataloguing code and to the requirements of the bibliographic formats COMARC and UNIMARC, the frequency of tags 300 and 500 in bibliographic records is explored.Results: The research results indicate that the use of uniform titles in COBISS and CROLIST is not satisfactory and that the tags 300 and 500 are often missing in bibliographic recods. In online catalogues a special attention should be given to the uniform title as it is considered an efficient linking device in the catalogue and as it enables collocation.Research limitations: The research is limited to bibliographic records for translations of works of personal authors and of anonymous works; corporate authors are not included.Originality/practical implications: Presenting development of the uniform title from the very beginning up to now and the first research on the uniform title in COBISS.