Page 55 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Library Classification and Cataloguing Theory

Notes Catalogue is a recording of information regarding manuscripts, books, pamphlets, musical,
composition, illustrations, prints, maps, and slides — H.A. Sharp.

7.2 Functions and Forms of Catalogue
Physical forms represent the materials and the manner in which the catalogues are made available.
A catalogue may be presented in any one of a number of different physical forms. The following
are the varieties of physical/outer/external forms of catalogue.
(a) Book Catalogue
(b) Card Catalogue
(c) Sheaf Catalogue
(d) Guard Book catalogue
(e) Visible Index catalogue
(f) Micro form of catalogue
(g) Machine Readable catalogue

(a) Book Catalogue
It is also known as Printed Book catalogue. The kind of catalogue has been a traditional form adopted
in many large libraries. Some big libraries used to publish a general printed catalogue of their
collection up to date and then issue periodical supplements to keep the original volume up to date.
The book catalogue is a catalogue of books bound in a volume where entries are printed or written
on pages. This form of catalogue was developed from the very early days of printing itself. It is
also known as Printed Page Catalogue.

Advantages

1. Since this type is a traditional type, people are familiar with this and hence it creates less
psychological barrier to the readers.
2. Easy to handle. Since this type is almost like a conventional type of a book, it is very easy
to handle.
3. Economy. Due to economical problems small libraries are preparing this type for use.
4. Portability. Number of copies can be printed and distributed. It is portable. Every reader
can have a copy for his or her reference.
5. Span of vision. Since this type has many entries on a page, one can go through many
entries at a time.
6. Missing pages if there is any missing of pages, it can easily be detected and rectified
because every page is numbered serially. This is not possible in card catalogue.
7. Book selection too. This catalogue is used as a book selection tool.
8. Publicity Since this type of catalogue is portable, it gives move publicity to the library.
Disadvantages

1. Up-to-dateness. The greatest drawback is up-to-dateness. Latest additions will find place in
the book catalogue.
2. Time to find a particular entry one has to go through many entries and some times number
of books, there by it consumes time.
3. Weeding out. For missing books, the entries are to be weeded out. This is not possible in
book catalogue.
4. Even the libraries want to bring out a new catalogue, its production is laborious an dispro-
portionately expensive. Too much of editorial work is involved with the result, many staff
members are to be appointed. This is true if the library is big.

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