CARD CATALOG Meaning and
Definition
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A card catalog is a system used to organize and locate library materials, such as books, documents, and other resources. It consists of a collection of index cards, each representing a specific item in the library's collection. Historically, card catalogs were the primary method of organizing and retrieving information in libraries before the advent of digital systems.
Each index card in a card catalog typically contains a wealth of information about the item it represents. This information commonly includes the title, author, publication details, subject headings, and call number of the item. The cards are arranged in alphabetical order by author, title, or subject, allowing users to easily browse and locate the desired materials.
Card catalogs are typically housed in one centralized location within the library, often near the entrance or information desk, for easy access. They enable library users to quickly find specific materials through a simple, alphabetical search method.
With the rise of computerized systems and digital databases, the use of physical card catalogs has greatly declined. However, the term "card catalog" is still widely used to describe the process of organizing and locating materials, even when digital methods are employed. Ultimately, card catalogs remain an integral part of library history, showcasing the evolution of information organization and retrieval systems.
Common Misspellings for CARD CATALOG
- xard catalog
- vard catalog
- fard catalog
- dard catalog
- czrd catalog
- csrd catalog
- cwrd catalog
- cqrd catalog
- caed catalog
- cadd catalog
- cafd catalog
- catd catalog
- ca5d catalog
- ca4d catalog
- cars catalog
- carx catalog
- carc catalog
- carf catalog
- carr catalog
- card cataolg
Etymology of CARD CATALOG
The etymology of the word "card catalog" originates from the combination of "card" and "catalog".
- "Card" comes from the Latin word "cardo", meaning "hinge" or "pivot". In the mid-15th century, it started to be used to refer to rectangular pieces of stiff paper or cardboard. These cards were often used to record information or messages.
- "Catalog" comes from the Greek word "katalogos", which means "a list or register". It was originally used in Ancient Greece to refer to a list of people or things, usually maintained for taxation purposes.
In the late 19th century, libraries began organizing their collections using individual cards on which information about each book was recorded. These cards were filed in drawers or cabinets, arranged alphabetically by author, title, subject, or other specific categories.
Similar spelling word for CARD CATALOG
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