As one of the possibilities to overcome existing limitations of online library catalogues, researchers are increasingly suggesting the implementations of the IFLA Library Reference Model (LRM). In terms of LRM, the new paradigm relating to the bibliographic universe is driving new requirements for data preparation, that will not only affect the cataloguers' thought process but also the process of cataloguing. Therefore, the design of more advanced cataloguing systems, which will take advantages of the richness of bibliographic data and, ultimately, enable users efficient access to information, is essential. As the first step on the way to create a new tool that will support cataloguers' thought process, we need to understand cataloguers' mental models. Therefore, four studies looking into mental processes of cataloguers in different contexts were conducted between May 2014 and may 2019: (1) a study of the cataloguers' mental models of the bibliographic universe; (2) a free description of monographic publications; (3) a study of the original cataloguing process; (4) simulation of the work with authority files for works and expressions. The target population in all studies were active Slovenian cataloguers from different types and sizes of libraries. A total of 119 cataloguers took part in the studies. A combination of observations and think-aloud protocols was used for data gathering in all studies. The results of the studies have been used in the conceptual design of a cataloguing system. The thesis describes all stages of the conceptual design and shows how the IFLA LRM model was implemented into the prototype. Finally, it reports on focus group that was carried out to evaluate the proposed prototype.
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