"What in the world would we do without our libraries?"
Katharine Hepburn



Thursday, October 20, 2011

Podcast - Card Catalog

This MP3 Podcast is designed especially for the Society of the Four Arts Children's Library.  It is an overview for using the Card Catalog (same as my PowerPoint and Prezi Presentation topic).

Children (and parents) visiting the Children's Library for the first time are usually surprised to find a card catalog and even more surprised when they are told that is an up-to-date catalog and how we currently search for books.  I want users listening to the podcast to understand the pink labeled drawers are for them to search.  All cards (title, author, & subject) are sorted alphabetically.  The call number on each card tells the location of the book.  And, catalog cards tell more about a book than just location!

To listen to this Podcast click here.

4 comments:

  1. Great job on your Podcast and explaining to listeners how to utilize the card catalog in order to find books. I never used a card catalog, so it was nice to find out how to use one. Card catalogs are becoming a thing of the past, so it is nice to know that they are still used. Does your library plan on converting to an online catalog in the near future?

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  2. I did not realize that card catalogs were still being used. It is refreshing to find that they are, and how to use them. My library is fully computerized so no-one knows how to use a traditional card catalog so this would be very helpful -thanks!!

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  3. I liked listening to your podcast. It was refreshing to learn there is still non automated equipment working out there. At least you dont have to worry about the catalog being down!

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  4. There has been talk about our future automation. We have two libraries at the Four Arts - The King Library (for adult patrons) and the Children's Library (children and families). The King Library is now automated but they are still maintaining their card catalog.

    Some things would be more convenient if automated but everything has it’s pros and cons. We very often get, “I love the old fashioned system…I remember the cards and stamps…it’s been so long since I’ve seen a card catalog…etc.,” but I know you can think of drawbacks as well. I actually maintain monthly excel spreadsheets for overdue purposes.

    But as stated earlier, internet or computer issues will not affect our catalog. :)

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