by Kalleen Marquise on Jan 3, 2023
What are Grouped Works?
Grouped Works are the records that are returned in searches.
Aspen uses a process called FRBRization (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) to group the expressions of the same work (the same title and author/publisher) together. Patrons then can clearly see all available expressions of the work without having to scroll through pages of results.
- For example, there is a physical audio book available of Pride & Prejudice, as well as econtent from OverDrive, Hoopla, and CloudLibrary. If there was a movie version of Pride & Prejudice that would not be grouped with these items because it is a different expression of the work. But, if there was a Pride & Prejudice DVD and Blu-Ray, those would be grouped together.
Handling Multiple Editions by the Same Title/Author
If a title has multiple editions, the editions are grouped together and are ordered looking at a variety of factors - if they are holdable, the latest published edition, popularity, if it is locally available, and the hold ratio.
There is also a way for libraries to always show locally owned editions first in Aspen Administration > Catalog/Grouped Works > Grouped Work Display > check Sort Owned Editions First.
If you click "Show Editions" you can see all the available editions of that format in the grouped work display.
- For example, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz is available as a physical book and has editions from 2005 and 1996 available. You can either place hold on the book format and get the first available expression of the work or request a specific edition.
Learn More about Grouped Works in Aspen
Read more by Kalleen Marquise