The spelling of the word "card catalogue" can be explained through its IPA phonetic transcription. The first word "card" is pronounced with the /kɑrd/ sound, indicating a pronounced "a" as in "father". The second word "catalogue" is pronounced with the /ˈkætəlɒɡ/ sound, indicating a short "a" as in "cat" and a stressed "o" as in "hot". The spelling of this word reflects its British English origins, as American English usually spells it as "card catalog". The card catalogue was a system used in libraries to organize books by their subject matter using index cards.
A card catalogue is a systematic arrangement of information or records stored in a library or other institution, typically consisting of index cards or similar materials. It serves as a resource for locating books, articles, or other materials within the collection.
The card catalogue is organized alphabetically by author, title, or subject, allowing users to quickly and efficiently find relevant resources. Each entry in the catalogue includes essential details such as the author's name, book title, publication date, edition, and call number. The call number indicates the precise location of the item in the library, aiding in its retrieval.
Traditionally, a card catalogue is physical in form with individual cards containing information about each item. These cards are typically housed in drawers or cabinets, organized by categories or sections. However, with the advancement of technology, card catalogues have largely been digitized and transformed into online databases accessible through computers or library management systems, enabling users to search for materials electronically.
A card catalogue is an indispensable tool for researchers, students, and library patrons as it facilitates efficient access to a library's resources. The catalogue offers a comprehensive overview of the collection while enabling users to easily navigate through the materials based on their specific needs or interests.
The word "card catalogue" originated from the combination of two distinct origins: "catalogue" and "card".
"Catalogue" originated from the Greek word "katalogos", which refers to a list or register. It then evolved in Late Latin to "catalogus" and Old French to "cataloge", before being adopted into Middle English as "catalog" in the 15th century.
On the other hand, "card" can be traced back to the Latin word "charta" meaning "paper" or "document". Over time, this term grew into "carda" and "carde" in Old French, and eventually into Middle English as "card" in the 14th century.
The combination of these two words, "card" and "catalogue", came about during the early 20th century with the development of libraries and their system of organizing information.