Objective – This paper is a presentation of several issues – including user provided data on relationships and attributes, frbrisation, harmonisation of various models and display of bibliographic data – that have been hindering the full adoption of the Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records (FRBR) conceptual model as the basis of cataloguing. It also serves as an introduction to the complexity of bibliographic data that is often disregarded in texts on FRBR. Research method – Results of several of our studies using a wide range of methods are included to corroborate the statements in this presentation of current state of affairs. Results and conclusions – The paper provides research based hints towards solution of the identified issues, while pointing out possible problems along the way.