The Library Catalog

Depending on your age, you may remember them--those rather sizable, block-like pieces of wooden furniture in the library known as the card catalog.  It was the keeper of the keys, the way to unlock and discover the mysteries of the library collection.  Comprised of small drawers filled with cream-colored index cards, the card catalog allowed you to let your fingers do the walking and find items on shelves.

I remember once upon a time in elementary school, in addition to classes like music, art, and gym, there was library class.  The school librarian would sometimes read books to you or play a filmstrip (this was in the days before the DVD or Blue-ray player).  Other times, the librarian would teach you how to use a library, explaining the Dewey decimal system and the iconic card catalog.

Eventually, the card catalog was replaced by the computer.  At first, computers with the library catalog were only used by staff behind the desk.  Slowly, more computers started appearing around the library for patron use and were often side by side with the card catalog.  The electronic catalog initially contained just the records of the newest acquisitions, while the card catalog had the older.  Over time, the electronic catalog included the records of every item in the library.

Practically all libraries today have catalogs that are not only electronic but available online.  Thanks to the Internet, we no longer have to physically travel to the library during business hours to use a card catalog and see whether an item is available.  We can now search any library's catalog at any hour of the day from wherever we may be.

So, whenever someone comments that libraries are outdated, just mention how libraries have evolved with the times and how they are the keepers of both print and electronic knowledge today.

Helping you stay connected now and in the future from the perch.