FRBRfamiljen

FRBRfamiljen refers to the group of models derived from the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) standard, designed to improve the organization and retrieval of bibliographic information. FRBR itself was proposed by the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) in the early 2000s as a way to articulate the user’s needs for searching and discovering information about works, expressions, and manifestos. The family of models expands on this foundation to address related bibliographic and authority concepts.

The core model in the family is FRBR, which distinguishes four entities: the Work, the Expression, the Manifestation, and the Item. Works are abstract intellectual creations, Expressions are the specific language or translation of a work, Manifestations are tangible reproductions of an Expression (such as a particular edition of a book), and Items are individual physical or digital copies of a Manifestation. By separating these levels, the model allows libraries to maintain consistent records for a work while tracking variations in its expression and different editions.

Extending FRBR, the FRAD model defines the components of an Authority record, clarifying how names, subjects, and other controlled vocabulary elements relate to the FRBR entities. FRAD focuses on the roles, real-world representations, and identity among authority entities, ensuring accurate linking to bibliographic records.

The FRQMD (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic, Authority, and Rights Management Records) model integrates FRBR and FRAD with rights management and other domain-specific needs. Together, these models form the FRBRfamiljen, a coherent suite of standards that support interoperable, flexible bibliographic management across library, publishing, and digital content systems.