International Standard Bibliographic Description (ISBD) is a format used for the bibliographic description of documents in libraries and other information institutions worldwide. It provides a standardized set of rules and guidelines for describing various types of resources such as books, journals, manuscripts, audiovisual materials, and electronic resources.
ISBD aims to facilitate the effective identification and retrieval of information by providing a consistent and structured format for describing bibliographic resources. It covers essential elements of a bibliographic description, including title, statement of responsibility, edition, publication information, physical description, series statement, notes, and subject headings.
The format of ISBD descriptions follows certain conventions, such as punctuation and order of elements, to ensure uniformity and ease of understanding. It also incorporates key international standards and guidelines, such as the International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), and various subject classification systems like Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) or Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC).
ISBD plays a crucial role in the cataloging and organization of library collections, as well as in the exchange of bibliographic information between libraries across the globe. By adhering to ISBD standards, bibliographic records become more consistent, comparable, and accessible, facilitating resource discovery for library users and enabling efficient information sharing among libraries and information institutions.
Overall, ISBD serves as a fundamental framework for bibliographic description, promoting standardization and enabling interoperability in the global library community.
