Barbara Tillett (full name: Barbara Ann Barnett Tillett) is an American librarian, library scholar, and international leader in the field of cataloging and bibliographic data modeling. Renowned for her contributions to cataloging theory, authority control, bibliographic data modeling, metadata standards, the development of innovative cataloging frameworks, and the development of international library standards. Tillett’s career has had a transformative impact on library science, particularly through her work at the Library of Congress and her involvement in global cataloging initiatives.
Dr. Barbara Tillett is former Chief of the Cataloging Policy and Support Office (CPSO) at the Library of Congress. She is responsible for various authoritative cataloging tools, including LC Rule Interpretations, LC Classification schedules, LC Subject Headings, and other cataloging documentation, such as the Cataloging Service Bulletin, Descriptive Cataloging Manual, and Subject Cataloging Manual. From February 2000 - February 2001, she was the Interim/Acting Director for Electronic Resources for the Library of Congress. Dr. Tillett was Director of the Integrated Library System (ILS) Program at the Library of Congress that successfully installed a new commercial Integrated Library System for the Library on time and on budget by 1 October 1999. For that accomplishment she received the Library's highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award on 9 November 1999 and on June 5, 2001 the Arthur S. Flemming Award for outstanding federal service.
Contents
- Early Life and Education
- Career at the Library of Congress
- Contributions to Cataloging Standards
- Awards and Recognition
- Legacy and Impact
- Personal Life
- Conclusion
Early Life and Education
Tillett’s scholarly work has profoundly shaped the global cataloging landscape. She is best known for her role in developing and promoting the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR), a conceptual model that redefines how bibliographic information is structured to improve user access. As a consultant to the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) Study Group on FRBR, Tillett helped articulate the model’s entities—work, expression, manifestation, and item—which have become foundational to modern cataloging systems. Her widely cited paper, What is FRBR? A Conceptual Model for the Bibliographic Universe (2003), remains a seminal resource for librarians worldwide.
Tillett was also a key figure in the development of Resource Description and Access (RDA), a cataloging standard built on the FRBR framework to replace the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules (AACR). She served on the Joint Steering Committee for the Development of RDA from 1994 to 2012 and chaired the committee from 2011 to 2013. Her leadership ensured that RDA addressed the needs of digital and networked environments, enhancing the discoverability of library resources.
Beyond FRBR and RDA, Tillett contributed to IFLA’s efforts to standardize cataloging principles. She played a central role in updating the Statement of International Cataloguing Principles (often referred to as the “Paris Principles”), which guide cataloging practices globally to ensure consistency in online public access catalogs (OPACs). Her publications, including Authority Control in the Online Environment (1989) and Bibliographic Relationships (1987), reflect her deep engagement with the theoretical and practical challenges of organizing information in the digital age.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Dr. Tillett has received numerous accolades for her contributions to librarianship, including:
- The Library of Congress' Distinguished Service Award (1999).
- The Arthur S. Flemming Award for outstanding federal service (2001).
- The ALCTS Margaret Mann Citation for her outstanding work in cataloging and classification.
- The Ross Atkinson Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring impact on technical services.
- The Frederick G. Kilgour Award (2013) for Research in Library and Information Technology, jointly sponsored by the Library and Information Technology Association (LITA) and OCLC, for her advancements in metadata standards and technology integration.
Additionally, she was recognized for her scholarly contributions with the best paper of the year award by the journal Cataloging & Classification Quarterly in both 2005 and 2007.
Tillett’s service extended to professional organizations, including the American Library Association (ALA), where she chaired the Cataloging and Classification Section and co-founded the Interest Group on Authority Control in the Online Environment. Her work with IFLA further amplified her global reach, particularly in promoting bibliographic standards and authority control.
Legacy and Impact
Dr. Tillett retired from the Library of Congress on November 30, 2012. Barbara Tillett’s career exemplifies the intersection of technical innovation, scholarly rigor, and practical leadership in librarianship. Her work on FRBR and RDA has provided libraries with flexible, user-centered frameworks for managing information in an increasingly complex digital world. By bridging traditional cataloging practices with emerging technologies, she ensured that libraries remained relevant and accessible to diverse users.
Her extensive work in cataloging theory and practice has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing the development of bibliographic standards and the evolution of library catalogs in the digital age.
Tillett’s publications, presentations, and leadership roles have inspired generations of librarians to rethink how information is organized and shared. Her emphasis on authority control and bibliographic relationships has improved the precision and usability of library catalogs, while her commitment to international collaboration has fostered greater standardization across cultural and institutional boundaries.
Personal Life
While much of Tillett’s public record focuses on her professional achievements, her dedication to librarianship reflects a lifelong passion for connecting people with knowledge. Details about her personal life are less documented, as she has maintained a private presence outside her professional contributions.
Conclusion
Barbara Tillett’s biography is a testament to her role as a visionary in library science. Through her leadership at the Library of Congress, her development of FRBR and RDA, and her global advocacy for cataloging standards, she has left an indelible mark on how libraries organize and provide access to information. Her work continues to influence the field, ensuring that libraries remain vital hubs of discovery in the digital era.
Dr. Tillett is also a contributor to the Librarianship Studies & Information Technology blog. Her contribution to the blog are listed below:
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