- Jun 8, 2001
- 9,574
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I run a website that is a book database. We are looking at (long term) implementing the following plans. This is somewhat vague as how it is presented will probably be left up to the coder (as long as it fits within the current site). The tricky part is that the current books (actually mostly expressions) must be imported into this framework. Can anyone give me a rough idea what I would expect to pay for this work?
With the possibility of adding non-fiction (which is a very simple change to the current system) and the current confusion over multiple versions/editions of the same title, it is clear that a permanent solution is needed. While it is possible to use quick fixes such as adding noted to affected books, it does not solve the underlying problem.
After looking at the already-researched structures for organizing bibliographic information, I have found that the FRBR (PDF) guidelines seem the best suited for out purpose. Of note in that publication is figure 3.1, which is explained on pages 24-31. Note that for our purposes, the item is not applicable. Also, it would be necessary to use these rules only as guidelines as there seem to have been few real-world implementations and thus they may not be completely feasible.
This system is easier to explain using non-fiction works as an example. I will first use a non-fiction work and then an actual example book from the current database.
A brief overview of what it would mean for us:
Work
There is a non-fiction book published every year by Que Publishing titled ?Upgrading and Repairing PCs.? There are currently 15 editions of this title. Here is the most comfusing concept of these rules: A ?work? covers every edition of this book.
Expression
This is where the individual editions/versions of a work are displayed. For Upgrading and Repairing PCs, there are currently 15 separate expressions of the work, 1 for each edition.
Manifestation
The manifestation is merely what form the book takes. There is currently only 1 manifestation for the 15th Edition, and that is the hardcover edition. If there were to be an electronic version, that would be another manifestation.
Now, how does that relate to us now? Let?s look at the example of the short story The Colour Out of Space by H.P. Lovecraft.
Work
The work here is the story behind the title ?The Colour Out of Space.?
Expression
The expression in this case is the 1927 version written by H.P. Lovecraft titled The Colour Out of Space.
Manifestation
This expression (not work) is manifested in the work (and expression and manifestation) known as The Omnibus of Science Fiction. If this same exact story was printed in another collection or by itself, it too would be another manifestation.
With the possibility of adding non-fiction (which is a very simple change to the current system) and the current confusion over multiple versions/editions of the same title, it is clear that a permanent solution is needed. While it is possible to use quick fixes such as adding noted to affected books, it does not solve the underlying problem.
After looking at the already-researched structures for organizing bibliographic information, I have found that the FRBR (PDF) guidelines seem the best suited for out purpose. Of note in that publication is figure 3.1, which is explained on pages 24-31. Note that for our purposes, the item is not applicable. Also, it would be necessary to use these rules only as guidelines as there seem to have been few real-world implementations and thus they may not be completely feasible.
This system is easier to explain using non-fiction works as an example. I will first use a non-fiction work and then an actual example book from the current database.
A brief overview of what it would mean for us:
Work
There is a non-fiction book published every year by Que Publishing titled ?Upgrading and Repairing PCs.? There are currently 15 editions of this title. Here is the most comfusing concept of these rules: A ?work? covers every edition of this book.
Expression
This is where the individual editions/versions of a work are displayed. For Upgrading and Repairing PCs, there are currently 15 separate expressions of the work, 1 for each edition.
Manifestation
The manifestation is merely what form the book takes. There is currently only 1 manifestation for the 15th Edition, and that is the hardcover edition. If there were to be an electronic version, that would be another manifestation.
Now, how does that relate to us now? Let?s look at the example of the short story The Colour Out of Space by H.P. Lovecraft.
Work
The work here is the story behind the title ?The Colour Out of Space.?
Expression
The expression in this case is the 1927 version written by H.P. Lovecraft titled The Colour Out of Space.
Manifestation
This expression (not work) is manifested in the work (and expression and manifestation) known as The Omnibus of Science Fiction. If this same exact story was printed in another collection or by itself, it too would be another manifestation.
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