A comparison between the online catalog and the card catalog

Online catalogs and card catalogs can be compared from different perspectives and according to different criteria. An appropriate approach in this regard is to compare the two types of catalog according to the processes in which bibliographic records are created (the input stage), manipulated (the storage stage) and retrieved (the output stage). Studies the concepts underlying the input‐storage/output of bibliographic records and reveals major differences between online catalogs and card catalogs. These differences are multiplied and widened when moving from input stage to output stage to such an extent that online catalogs can be considered as a significant departure from manual catalogs. The redesign for use in the online environment of bibliographical standards (cataloging codes, MARC formats and ISBDs) which are based on the concept of the card catalog should be based on the conceptual as well as the practical differences between the online catalog and the card catalog.