This course provides students with the knowledge of how to describe the physical attributes of information bearing items in any format using appropriate bibliographic metadata elements and applying authority control when necessary. The theoretical bases and related principles are emphasized and are complemented by a considerable amount of practical work in both the manual (card) and online ( MARC) environments. This includes compilation and construction of catalogues; detailed study of the AACR2R rules and the Dublin Core Metadata Element Set; critical appreciation and use of tools, aids and services in the field. Considerable emphasis is placed on authority work and control, and references.