Uniform Titles as Linking Devices

Abstract

Uniform titles have an enhanced role to play in the multi-dimensional online catalog systems of the future. Since their early appearance in Panizzi's catalog, the functions of uniform titles have been more clearly articulated and their application has been expanded. As ongoing examination of cataloging principles ha clarified the distinction between item and work, the importance of the uniform title in identifying, distinguishing and collocating works has become clear. The development of online catalogs has focused our attention on the importance of defining bibliographic relationships. The uniform title will be a crucial linking device for these defined relationships in future multi-dimensional online catalogs.