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What is an Online Card Catalog?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

In about 800 CE the first library catalog was developed for the House of Wisdom in what is now Iraq. Since that time, and especially with the ease of publishing books that later came, most libraries have had to find ways of shelving books, and giving people who wanted to check them out a way of searching for them. For years, some form of card catalog system was used so that people could search, typically by author or title. Today, card catalogs are usually replaced by computer terminals where people can search, and these searches may not be limited to what’s in a library; instead many can use an online card catalog to widen access to material unavailable locally.

A number of types of online card catalog may be available to people, and what is available can depend on the library involved. Many public libraries that serve communities have searchable sites that can be accessed from home, if people have a library card that is used as a code. Libraries that have multiple branches might allow people to search all branches at once, and the location of any books found may be noted in catalog search results. Sometimes if people are looking for a specific book, they have to search each online card catalog separately per branch.

In most libraries, old fashioned card catalogs have been replaced with computer systems.
In most libraries, old fashioned card catalogs have been replaced with computer systems.

Since searching may sometimes be done from home, through a library’s website, there may be more functionality. Depending on the online card catalog, people might be able to order books, through interlibrary loan, if they’re not available at a local library. The number of libraries that might participate in any interlibrary loan is highly variable. Some libraries will only trade books with other branches.

Online card catalogs allow library patrons to see what books are available to check out.
Online card catalogs allow library patrons to see what books are available to check out.

Other libraries, especially university libraries, may have a much a wider net. Either at school or from home, students could use the online card catalog to borrow books from college libraries all over the country. This can significantly alter the degree to which students are able to thoroughly research subjects. Schools with poor libraries may be able to supplement students’ needs by offering participation in interlibrary loan. Though it can take a few weeks to get a book that is needed, this can be a great way for students to find what they need. Some library lending programs also exist for periodicals, though there may be a copying charge associated with this.

Many public libraries and library branches have searchable websites that can be accessed online by the public.
Many public libraries and library branches have searchable websites that can be accessed online by the public.

One thing that is common of most online card catalog programs is that people must go through or be members of a library in order to participate. It is usually not possible to borrow a book from “anywhere.” When these programs are in place, the book required is sent to the library of which a person is a member or participant, and it would be returned to that same library. Different rules may apply on length of checkout and very steep fines could occur if the book is not returned in perfect shape.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent EasyTechJunkie contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent EasyTechJunkie contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

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    • In most libraries, old fashioned card catalogs have been replaced with computer systems.
      By: Andrey Kuzmin
      In most libraries, old fashioned card catalogs have been replaced with computer systems.
    • Online card catalogs allow library patrons to see what books are available to check out.
      By: malekas
      Online card catalogs allow library patrons to see what books are available to check out.
    • Many public libraries and library branches have searchable websites that can be accessed online by the public.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Many public libraries and library branches have searchable websites that can be accessed online by the public.