A comparison between the online catalogue and the card catalogue : some considerations for redesigning bibliographic standards

Abstract

Online catalogues and card catalogues can be compared from different perspectives and according to different criteria. An appropriate approach in this regard is to compare the two types of catalogue according to the processes in which bibliographic records are created (the input stage), manipulated (the storage stage) and retrieved (the output stage). Studies the concepts underlying the input‐storage/output of bibliographic records and reveals major differences between online catalogues and card catalogues. These differences are multiplied and widened when moving from input stage to output stage to such an extent that online catalogues can be considered as a significant departure from manual catalogues. The redesign for use in the online environment of bibliographical standards (cataloguing codes, MARC formats and ISBDs) which are based on the concept of the card catalogue should be based on the conceptual as well as the practical differences between the online catalogue and the card catalogue.

Citation

Fattahi, R. (1995), "A comparison between the online catalogue and the card catalogue : some considerations for redesigning bibliographic standards", Library Review, Vol. 44 No. 2, pp. 44-58. https://doi.org/10.1108/00242539510080173