Library catalog

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== Library Catalog ==

A library catalog is a register of all bibliographic items found in a library or group of libraries, such as a network of libraries at several locations. A library catalog is a crucial tool for library users to locate books, periodicals, and other materials within the library's collection.

History

The concept of a library catalog dates back to ancient times. The earliest known library catalog was created by the Sumerians around 2000 BCE. The modern library catalog evolved significantly with the advent of the printing press and the subsequent increase in the number of books.

Types of Library Catalogs

There are several types of library catalogs, including:

• Card catalog: A physical catalog consisting of cards in drawers, each card representing a single item in the library's collection.
• Online public access catalog (OPAC): A digital catalog accessible via the internet, allowing users to search the library's collection from any location.
• Union catalog: A combined catalog of multiple libraries, providing a single point of access to the collections of all participating libraries.

Components of a Library Catalog

A library catalog typically includes the following components:

• Bibliographic record: Detailed information about each item, including the title, author, publication date, and subject headings.
• Call number: A unique identifier assigned to each item, used to locate the item within the library.
• Subject heading: A standardized term used to describe the content of the item, facilitating subject-based searches.

Functions of a Library Catalog

The primary functions of a library catalog are:

• Inventory control: Keeping track of the library's collection and ensuring that items are properly accounted for.
• Access and retrieval: Enabling users to find and retrieve items from the library's collection.
• Collection development: Assisting librarians in managing and developing the library's collection by identifying gaps and redundancies.

Related Pages

• Library classification
• Library management system
• Bibliographic database
• Metadata
• Information retrieval

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