The FRBR model (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) presents one possible solution to improve the functionality and usability of the library catalogue. The model proposed attributes and relationships that are necessary to fulfil user tasks. In the thesis, we tested the suggested attributes and relationships with user studies, especially for fiction. In the first part, we analysed twenty current and next-generation library catalogues. In the second part, we present nine user studies: personal interviews, online surveys and focus groups. Surveys were conducted between January 2010 and December 2014 with an accidental sample of 644 people: parents of pre-school children, students, adults and librarians in elementary school and public libraries. Some studies involved real tasks in which we used the five various types of bibliographic records. The analysis showed that enriched bibliographic records, notably with a cover image and a sample page (layout, size of letter, and font) increase customer satisfaction in the selection and identification of material. Studies provided evidence of low usage of library catalogue and the dominance of independent browsing in a library. We observed the difference between selecting materials in the library catalogue and on the shelf. We confirmed the appropriateness of attributes and relationships of the FRBR model and proposed a set of the most important attributes and relationships of an improved bibliographic record.
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