Report cover image

Survey of Cataloging & Metadata Librarians: Plans for BIBFRAME

Publisher Primary Research Group
Published Oct 17, 2025
Length 107 Pages
SKU # PF20773204

Description

This timely report offers a detailed look into how metadata professionals, primarily from U.S. research universities, are preparing for the transition to BIBFRAME, the Library of Congress’s new bibliographic framework designed to replace MARC.

The report is based on responses from 47 metadata librarians, providing a rich dataset that explores current practices, future plans, and institutional readiness for BIBFRAME adoption. The study is now available in PDF format for \$95, with a print edition shipping October 29, 2025, also priced at $95.

Key Findings from the Report Include:

Limited Current Use of BIBFRAME
Only 6.38% of surveyed librarians reported any current use of BIBFRAME in their cataloging workflows, indicating that widespread adoption is still in its early stages.
Training Gaps Identified
Just 17.02% of respondents felt they had received adequate training in BIBFRAME, highlighting a significant need for professional development and institutional support.
High Interest in Linked Data
A strong majority—74.47%—expressed interest in learning more about linked data applications in cataloging, suggesting a growing awareness of BIBFRAME’s potential benefits.
Institutional Planning Still Nascent
Only 10.64% of institutions represented in the survey had formal plans in place for BIBFRAME implementation, underscoring the need for strategic planning across the sector.
Confidence in BIBFRAME’s Future
Despite low current usage, 53.19% of respondents believe BIBFRAME will eventually become the dominant bibliographic framework, reflecting cautious optimism about its long-term viability.
Cataloging Standards Still Dominated by MARC
Over 85% of respondents reported that MARC remains the primary cataloging standard in their institutions, reinforcing the scale of the transition challenge ahead.
This comprehensive analysis is an essential resource for library administrators, metadata specialists, and information science educators seeking to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of bibliographic description.

Table of Contents

107 Pages
Table 1.1 How familiar are you with BIBFRAME?
Table 2.1 Is your library currently implementing BIBFRAME?
Table 3.1 If your library is using BIBFRAME. at what stage would you describe your implementation?
Table 4.1 How has BIBFRAME affected your cataloging workflow compared to MARC?
Table 5 Which staff members are most involved in your BIBFRAME activities? (Select all that apply)
Table 6 What forms of training have you or your colleagues received on BIBFRAME? (Select all that apply)
Table 7 Which systems or tools are you using to implement BIBFRAME? (Select all that apply)
Table 8 What benefits has your library seen from using BIBFRAME so far? (Select all that apply)
Table 9.1 How much staff time is currently dedicated to BIBFRAME-related activities in your library's metadata efforts?
Table 10.1 Has your library integrated BIBFRAME with other linked data initiatives?
Table 10.1 Has your library integrated BIBFRAME with other linked data initiatives?
Table 11.1 How satisfied are you with vendor/system support for BIBFRAME?
Table 12.1 What are your library’s future plans for BIBFRAME?
Table 13.1 Is your library collaborating with other institutions or consortia on BIBFRAME-related work?

Search Inside Report

Pricing

Currency Rates
How Do Licenses Work?

How Do Licenses Work?

The primary function of a report license is to define how many people within a company are authorized to use the purchased report. This is separate to how a report might be delivered. Unless specifically identified otherwise, the purchase option is Single User. Below is a helpful description of that license, along with a sampling of others most commonly offered.

  • This license allows only one user to have access to and to use/read the report. It is not one user at a time or one user group; it is an individual who will be reading and utilizing the report.

  • This license allows for the entire purchasing company to read and use the report. This is the license level that would allow for a report to be placed on an internal company shared drive for access by all employees of that direct company. This license does not extend to parent or sister company use.

  • This license is designed to allow an entire department within a company full access to a report. The departmental license is a great option for companies that have more than one location and the department is spread out all over the country/world

  • This license is for companies that have one location where they want the report to be accessible by all employees within that physical location.

  • This is the most flexible of the licensing options. Some publishers will allow you to get a license for a preset number of people (typically 5). These licenses are ideal for small work groups.

License options are at the discretion of each publisher. As such, not all licenses indicated above are available for every product. If you are uncertain of the best license for your needs or would like a license that is not proactively available, please contact us and we will be happy to assist.

Request A Sample
Head shot

Questions or Comments?

Our team has the ability to search within reports to verify it suits your needs. We can also help maximize your budget by finding sections of reports you can purchase.
Chat Now
Contact Us