library catalogue
Noun: A library catalogue is a systematic list, register, or database that enumerates and describes all the resources (such as books, journals, multimedia, and other materials) held by a library. It serves as a key tool for users to discover, locate, and access these resources.
The term library catalogue is used to refer to the complete inventory system of a library's collection. It is the primary means by which the contents of a library are organized and made searchable. - The library catalogue indicated that the rare manuscript was available in the special collections room. - Before visiting the stacks, she checked the online library catalogue for the book's call number. - Modern library catalogues allow users to search by author, title, subject, or keyword.
- To consult the library catalogue: To search or look up information in the catalogue.
- Researchers must consult the library catalogue to find relevant primary sources.
- Integrated library catalogue: A catalogue that combines the holdings of multiple libraries into a single searchable system.
- The university consortium uses an integrated library catalogue for all member institutions.
- Catalogue (or Catalog) (n): A complete list of items, often in a systematic order. While a library catalogue is a specific type, "catalogue" can refer to lists in other contexts (e.g., product catalogue, exhibition catalogue).
- Bibliographic database (n): A more general term for a searchable collection of references to published literature, which may be broader than a single library's holdings.
- OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue) (n): The specific term for a digital library catalogue that patrons can use via computer terminals or the internet.
- Library inventory
- Bibliographic catalogue
- Holdings list
- To search the catalogue: The action of looking for items within the library catalogue.
- You can search the catalogue from any computer on campus.
- Catalogue record: An individual entry in a library catalogue describing a single item.
- Each catalogue record contains details like the author, publication date, and subject headings.
The term library catalogue is a compound noun. Its core function is informational and organizational. While historically a physical card catalogue, it is now almost exclusively a digital system. The concept is central to library and information science.
- an enumeration of all the resources of a library