Internal and Physical of the Catalogue:

Internal Form of the Catalogue 

As mentioned earlier, according to the internal farm, the two major types of  library catalogues are the Dictionary Catalogue and the Classified Catalogue. Unit 4 in Course IV has dealt with these two types in detail. Here we will note that each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice will depend upon the type of library and the nature of its clientele. The Dictionary Catalogue is more popular with public libraries where the general readers may find it easy to consul. On the  other hand, in research and special libraries where the readers will be more interested in a systematic subject approach to documents, the Classified Catalogue will be advantageous.

Physical Form of the Catalogue 

You might have learnt in Unit (of Course IV) the various physical forms of the library catalogue and their relative advantages and disadvantages. In Indian libraries today, the Card Catalogue has become increasingly popular although there are some libraries that still follow the old tradition of the printed book form of catalogue. The latter may be found satisfactory for a small library with only  a few additions  every year. On the other hand, for a fast growing library, the printed book form of catalogue can never be kept op to date. In fact, the Card Catalogue  has many advantages like its flexibility and updateability. Even libraries that continue to bring out printed book catalogues do have to maintain some form of a card file as their basic record. From this basic record the printed book form of catalogue can  be made from time to time. Because  of  these  reasons, knowledge of preparing the Card Catalogue is a basic requirement for all librarians.