The Open Rules for Cataloging (ORC) is an open-source cataloging code currently under development by practicing catalogers to provide free, pragmatic, and ethically grounded guidelines for describing library resources. ORC responds to the growing need for accessible cataloging standards that are not locked behind paywalls and that reflect current library workflows. The project focuses on bibliographic resources commonly encountered in school, public, and academic libraries, beginning with non-rare monographs. ORC adheres to the IFLA Statement of International Cataloging Principles while emphasizing user convenience, accuracy, economy, interoperability, and openness. The guidelines are designed to be straightforward, compatible with shared cataloging environments, and primarily usable in MARC-based systems while supporting broader metadata exchange. By prioritizing clarity, consistency, and data reuse, ORC aims to empower catalogers and support discovery across evolving technology platforms. This poster introduces the vision, scope, and principles of ORC, explains why a freely available cataloging code is needed, and invites participation from the cataloging community.
