Question

The purpose and scope of the ISBD as follows: (A) It is designed as an instrument for the international communication of bibliographical information. (B) It is specifying the elements which comprise a bibliographical description. (C) It's prescribing the order in which they should be presented. (D) To facilitate their interpretation across language barrier. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. (A), (B) and (C) only
• B. (A), (B) and (D) only
• C. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
• D. (B), (C) and (D) only

Hint:

ISBD is about what to include (elements), in what order, with what punctuation, so that anyone, anywhere (international communication across language barriers) can understand a bibliographic record.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the fundamental purpose of the ISBD (International Standard Bibliographic Description). ISBD was created by IFLA to create a consistent, standardized way to describe library materials, which would make sharing bibliographic data between countries easier.

Step 2: Evaluate each statement against the purpose of ISBD. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{(A) International communication: This is the primary goal—to have one standard so records from any country can be understood anywhere.} \\ \bullet & \text{(B) Specifying elements: ISBD defines the specific data elements that should be included in a description (e.g., title, statement of responsibility, edition).} \\ \bullet & \text{(C) Prescribing order and punctuation: A key feature of ISBD is that it mandates the order of the elements and the standard punctuation (e.g., space-slash-space) that must be used to separate them.} \\ \bullet & \text{(D) Facilitate interpretation across language barriers: By using a standard structure and punctuation, a cataloguer who doesn't speak the language of the item can still identify the title, author, publisher, etc., just by their position and the preceding punctuation.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclude. All four statements accurately describe the purpose and scope of the ISBD.