The most important changes which support the new Cataloguing Code are presented as a tool which facilitates the standardization and as a way to reach the so-wished Universal Bibliographic Control. A historic review of Cataloguing, including the beginning of cooperation in the subject, is included. The conceptual models which support the new Code and the benefits which it will bring to the users are analysed. The new organization of the Code and the new terminology adopted are explained; finishing with the analysis of the international reach of AACR and the new Code. The article stresses the fact that although AACR has been translated into several languages and adopted by many countries as their Cataloguing Code, the elaboration and revision of the Code has been conducted only by the four countries members of the Joint Steering Committee for Revision of AACR (USA, Canada, United Kingdom and Australia).
cataloguing; cataloguing code; bibliographic description; authority control