METHODOLOGY

Prepared papers from the Latin American cataloging experts will focus attention on updating the 2003 draft "Statement of International Cataloguing Principles," which updates the IFLA "Paris Principles" of 1961, incorporating terminology and concepts of the IFLA Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), and discussing ways to reach closer harmonisation of rules in the following areas (focus topics):

1. Names of personal authors
2. Names of corporate bodies
3. Uniform titles
4. Seriality issues of when to make a new record
5. Multilevel cataloguing of multiple works in multiple volumes

These papers will be posted on this site during May 2004.

During June and July 2004 there will be pre-meeting discussion on a special discussion listserv to collect current thinking in Latin America on these five focus topics.

At the meetings, the experts will briefly review their rule revision process and the European draft Statement of International Catloguing Principles will be presented for discussion and comments during the first day's plenary session. Background presentations on ISBD, FRBR, and the Virtual International Authority File (VIAF) will also be given. During breakout sessions each of the focus topics will be discussed by the respective working groups and recommendations will be prepared for reaction during the final plenary session. The meeting will end with recommendations for changes to the draft Statement, prioritised actions towards closer harmonisation, and a draft of recommendations for rules towards an international cataloguing code.

Following the meeting, the recommendations and action items from the meeting will be posted on the IFLA Cataloguing Section web site, and the results will also be reported to IFLA during the Section's Open Programme in Buenos Aires in the last week of August 2004. Progress on fulfilling the recommendations and action items will be posted on the IFLA Cataloguing Section Web site.