Cataloging card format

Cataloging Card Format

In traditional library systems, a cataloging card was a physical card used to record bibliographic information about a library resource (such as a book, journal, or multimedia item). These cards were stored in a catalog drawer and arranged alphabetically by author, title, or subject, depending on the system in use.

Cataloging cards typically follow a standardized format, adhering to specific rules that provide consistent bibliographic information to help library users locate materials.

Common Elements of a Cataloging Card

A typical cataloging card includes the following key components:

1. Author/Main Entry: The name of the author, editor, or corporate body responsible for creating the work.

2. Title and Statement of Responsibility: The title of the work and any statement about who contributed to it (such as editors, translators, etc.).

3. Publisher Information: The name of the publisher, year of publication, and sometimes the place of publication.

4. Physical Description: Information about the format of the work, such as the number of pages, size, and illustrations (e.g., 300 pages; 23 cm; illustrations).

5. Series: If the work is part of a series, the series title and volume number are included.

6. Call Number: A classification number that helps to locate the material on the library shelves (using a system like Dewey Decimal Classification or Library of Congress Classification).

7. Subjects: Subject headings or keywords that describe the content of the work.

8. Notes: Additional information about the item, such as its condition, edition, or special features.

9. Accession Number/Barcode: The unique identifier for the library's copy of the material.

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Cataloging Card Format Example

Below is a simplified example of what a cataloging card might look like for a book using a typical library catalog card format:

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Front of the Catalog Card

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Author:                Austen, Jane
Title:                 Pride and Prejudice / by Jane Austen.
Publisher:             New York : Penguin Classics, 2002.
Physical Description:  xxxvii, 453 p. ; 21 cm.
Series:                Penguin Classics
Call Number:           PR4034 .P7 2002
Subjects:              English fiction -- 19th century
                        Love stories
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Notes:                 Includes bibliographical references (p. xxxii-xxxvii).
                        ISBN 978-0-14-143951-8
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Explanation of the Catalog Card Components:

• Author: "Austen, Jane" is the author of the work. This is the primary access point for locating the book in the catalog.

• Title and Statement of Responsibility: "Pride and Prejudice" is the title, and "by Jane Austen" indicates the author’s responsibility.

• Publisher Information: "Penguin Classics, 2002" indicates the publisher and the year the book was published.

• Physical Description: "xxxvii, 453 p. ; 21 cm" provides details about the length of the book (453 pages) and the size (21 cm).

• Series: This work is part of the Penguin Classics series.

• Call Number: "PR4034 .P7 2002" is the Dewey Decimal or Library of Congress call number, which helps in physically locating the book on the shelves.

• Subjects: "English fiction" and "Love stories" are the subject headings that describe the content of the book. These help users find related works on similar topics.

• Notes: The additional notes might indicate that the book includes a bibliography or other relevant information (e.g., "Includes bibliographical references").

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Types of Cataloging Card Formats

Depending on the library's cataloging system and whether it's used in a card catalog or a digital system, the format may vary slightly. However, the basic elements (author, title, publisher, physical description, call number, etc.) remain consistent.

Library of Congress Card Format (Sample)

Here is a Library of Congress style catalog card:

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Main Entry:        Austen, Jane, 1775-1817.
Title:             Pride and Prejudice / by Jane Austen.
Publisher:         London : Everyman, 1994.
Physical Description:  xvi, 453 p. ; 22 cm.
Series:            Everyman's Library ; 81.
Call Number:       PR4034 .P7 1994
Subjects:          English fiction -- 19th century.
                    Love stories.
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Digital Cataloging vs. Card Cataloging

While traditional card catalogs were physical and manually organized, digital cataloging systems have replaced them in most libraries. In a digital catalog, the information is stored electronically and can be searched more efficiently using various criteria, such as author, title, or subject. However, the structure and content of the digital catalog record are very similar to what was used on physical cataloging cards.

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Conclusion

A cataloging card is an essential tool for library cataloging systems. It organizes and records bibliographic data about library materials, providing a structured way to catalog and retrieve information. While physical catalog cards have largely been replaced by digital cataloging systems, the principles and format behind these cards remain critical to understanding how library materials are described and classified. Cataloging standards such as MARC and RDA continue to follow similar formats, ensuring consistency and making it easier to share and access library resources worldwide.