Online Computer Library Center. (2015, October 1). OCLC prints last library catalog cards: Today’s library users have access to the world’s knowledge through digital library networks. Retrieved from http://bit.ly/1YULx6R
This is old news, but worth sharing. Card catalogs are officially a thing of the past with the last printing of library catalog cards. With the dawn of computer catalogs the process of searching for library holdings was streamlined. Not only can users search for what is available at their local library, they are able to access library collections globally. Card catalogs were mostly phased out many years ago, but did serve as a nostalgic backup for libraries since the online catalog was created in 1971 with the introduction of WorldCat. It is interesting that there are a few patrons who still ask about the card catalog and are horrified that it no longer is used. This is in stark contrast to our younger patrons who would have no idea what this resource is, let alone how to use it. This part of library history may be retired, but it will not be forgotten. There is even a line of women’s purses created by Kate Spade that will satisfy any card catalog fan.
Love the purse! The picture is the first thing that caught my eye. I was a library page in high school in the 1980s and the card catalog was the first thing we taught students how to use.
ReplyDelete