Page 56 - DLIS103_LIBRARY_CLASSIFICATION_AND_CATALOGUING_THEORY

Unit 7: Concept of Library Catalogue

7.3 Dictionary Catalogue Notes

In catalogue, both the physical form and inner form is equally important. The inner forms of the
catalogue include the necessary entries that are essential to describe a document. The inner form
decides which one of the several access points is to be considered ‘Prime’ or ‘important’ or ‘main’.
In a classified catalogue, the class to which the book belongs is considered as important. But in a
dictionary catalogue the author is considered as important. The main entry in a Dictionary catalogue
is prepared under the author.

Did u know? The dictionary catalogue is a compilation of all the main entries, added entries,
subject entries and reference cards.

These headings are arranged in one alphabetical sequence as follows:
Anatomy Subject
Arivumathi Author
Asian Tour Title
Biochemistry Subject
Bushnell T Joint author
Chatterjee M. Editor
Ganguli S. Illustrator
Geography Sub.
Jackson K. Comp.
Law Sub.
Medicine Sub.
Narayanan R. Author.
Psychology Sub.
Travel in India Series.
These headings are quite unrelated to each other as they stand their positions in the catalogue have
been determined by the alphabets used in their spellings. This type of catalogue is called a dictionary
catalogue because of it resemblance to a dictionary in arrangement, that is, it follows the simple
alphabetical order of any dictionary. The entries are made under the names of the authors are
arranged alphabetically. It is easy to consult. But it has many problems.

Advantages
1. It is very easy to consult.
2. Knowledge of classification scheme is not required to use it.
3. It is useful for specific information and ready reference.

Disadvantages

1. If there are two or two more authors, or short stories or collection of poems how to give the
main entry in such cases in the problem.
2. If the book is published under the name of a corporate body again the problem of making
main entry arises.

Task Write a short note on dictionary catalogue.

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