1 68th IFLA Council and General Conference August 18-24, 2002 Code Number: 075-095-E Division Number: VI Professional Group: Information Technology Joint Meeting with: - Meeting Number: 95 Simultaneous Interpretation: - XML and bibliographic data: the TVS (Transport, Validation and Services) model Joaquim de Carvalho BookMARC; University of Coimbra Portugal E-mail: jrc@bookmarc.pt Maria Inês Cordeiro Art Library, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Portugal E-mail: ilopes@gulbenkian.pt Abstract: This paper discusses the role of XML in library information systems at three major levels: as a representation language that enables the transport of bibliographic data in a way that is technologically independent and universally understood across systems and domains; as a language that enables the specification of complex validation rules according to a particular data format such as MARC; and, finally, as a language that enables the description of services through which such data can be exploited in alternative modes that overcome the limitations of the classical client-server database services. The key point of this paper is that by specifying requirements for XML usage at these three levels, in an articulated but distinct way, a much needed clarification of this area can be achieved. The authors conclude by stressing the importance of advancing the use of XML in the real practice of bibliographic services, in order to improve the interoperable capabilities of existing bibliographic data assets and to advance the WWW integration of bibliographic systems on a sound basis.