From Clay Tablets to Web: Journey of Library Catalogue

  • Shiv Kumar
Keywords: Clay tablets, library catalogue, OPAC, Web-OPAC, historic developments, OPAC features

Abstract

The paper discusses the evolution and development of library catalogues from clay tablets to theweb-based catalogue. In the early stages, cataloguing was a local and individual library practice. Eachlibrary constructed its own catalogue, most suited to its purpose. A series of continuous changes throughthe ages, in both, conventional and non-conventional catalogues, including recent technology inputsadded various features to the present day catalogue. Today the computerised catalogue may functionlike a portal and this function can be exploited infi nitely to connect to a variety of data considered usefulfor library users. The system designers are trying to adopt new trends in OPACs. Web-based cataloguesinitiated Web 2.0 trends like RSS feeds, blogs, downloadable e-media, and instant messages. The faceliftof the simple catalogue was eminent to keep up with the versatile needs of the widely web-exposedlibrary users.

http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/djlit.33.1.3729

Author Biography

Shiv Kumar

Panjab Library University, Chandigarh-160 014

E-mail: shivpuchd@gmail.com

Published
2013-01-21
How to Cite
Kumar, S. (2013). From Clay Tablets to Web: Journey of Library Catalogue. DESIDOC Journal of Library & Information Technology, 33(1). https://doi.org/10.14429/djlit.33.1.3729