UNIT 3 BASICS OF CATALOGUING

Structure
3.0 Learning Outcomes
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Library Catalogue
3.2.1 Concept and Definitions
3.2.2 Purposes, Objectives and Functions of a Library Catalogue

3.3 Cataloguing Process

3.3.1 Catalogue Card
3.3.2 Unit Card System
3.3.3 Cataloguing Code
3.3.4 Cataloguing Elements
3.3.5 Basic Operations

3.4 Forms of Library Catalogue

3.5 Kinds of Entries and Approaches of the Users
3.5.1 Entries Under the Dictionary Catalogue
3.5.2 Entries According to Classified Catalogue Code of Ranganathan

3.6 Summary
3.7 Answers to Self Check Exercises
3.8 Keywords
3.9 Suggested Activities
3.10 References and Further Reading

3.0 LEARNING OUTCOMES

A library catalogue is one of the basic and indispensable tools of any library. It plays
an important role in retrieving materials available in the library. The process of
preparing the library catalogue is called library cataloguing. The objective of this Unit
is to introduce you with certain basics of library catalogue and cataloguing.
After reading this Unit, you will be able to:
 define and describe a library catalogue;
 explain the basic objectives , purposes and functions of a catalogue;
 understand the basics of cataloguing;
 identify different forms of catalogues; and
 know about various kinds of entries and their elements in cataloguing.

3.1 INTRODUCTION
You must have seen the different types of catalogues that are available for various
products and services in daily life but here we are going to introduce you with the
43
Cataloguing library catalogue which is an important and essential tool for each and every type of
libraries. It is used to facilitate the use of library collections. It can be considered as
a list of available holdings of a particular library. The technique involved in making
the catalogue card is called the cataloguing. This technique enables us to describe the
collections available in a library. It also helps the users to identify the collections as
per their choice and need. Catalogues are prepared in the libraries to assist the users
for identifying their large holdings. A library catalogue enables a reader to know if
the library has a document for which the author or the subject or the title is known.
It gives information of all the documents on a given author or in a subject or a
publisher’s series or the different editions or translations of a given title available in
the library.

3.2 LIBRARY CATALOGUE

In this section we are going to discuss the concept and definitions, objectives,
purposes and functions of a library catalogue so as to make you familiar with the
concept.

3.2.1 Concept and Definitions

The word catalogue has been derived from a Greek phrase ‘Katalogos’ “Kata”
means “by” or “according to”. “Logos” on the other hand, has different meanings
like “word”, “order” or “reason”. As such the term “catalogue” literally means
a list of something (may be books, mobile phones, colour shades, etc.) arranged in
some systematic order.

Fig. 3.1: Sample of a Library Catalogue Card

Source: www.library historybuff.org

There can be different kinds of catalogues, like a library catalogue, publisher’s

catalogue, catalogue of furniture, catalogue of two wheelers of a company, etc. In
the context of a library, a catalogue can be defined as a list of books and other types
of documents of a particular library. It is systematically arranged following a definite
order. It contains certain specific bibliographic elements. These elements enable to
identify and locate particular documents from the large collections of the library.
Though different authorities defined the term library catalogue in different contexts
they provide an almost similar basic underlying concept of the term, that a library
catalogue:
 is a list of documents available in a particular library;
44
 contains entries arranged systematically according to the catalogue code adopted Basics of Cataloguing
by the library;
 gives specific bibliographical elements of the documents in each entry to determine
and identify the document;
 provides location number of the documents which enables the users to locate
the document; and
 serves as an inventory of all the materials available in the library.

3.2.2 Purposes, Objectives and Functions of a Library

Catalogue

Fig. 3.2: Cards filled in a Library Catalogue Cabinet

Source: www.news.cornell.edu

Fig. 3.3: Library Catalogue Cabinet

Source: www.desiretime.com
45
Cataloguing

Fig. 3.4: Library Catalogue with Open Trays

Source: www.flicr.com

Purpose
The basic purpose of a library catalogue is to tell the kinds of documents available
in a library and their location on the shelves. These documents may be in a variety
of forms such as – printed documents, microfilms, other machine readable forms or
e-resources in floppies, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc. They are shelved at different locations
in the library. To make these resources known to the users is the duty of the library
for their optimal utilisation. Libraries prepare catalogues as access tools to these
resources. Therefore, the main purpose of a library catalogue is to serve:
As an inventory and retrieval tool. It serves as a guide to various kinds
of resources enabling the users to find out their desired materials.
Objectives
The objectives of a library catalogue as described by Charles Ammi Cutter (who is
called as the father of library cataloguing) in 1876 still have substantial validity. He
used the term “book” while describing the objective. However, in place of the term
“book” the term “document” needs to be replaced to cover all types of information
sources. With certain modifications to Cutter’s description the objectives of library
catalogue can be summarised as:
 To enable a person to find a relevant document of which
- The author; or
- The title; or
- The subject is known
 To show what the library has
- By a given author or authors
- On a given subject
46 - In a given kind of literature or form of material
 To assist in the choice of a document Basics of Cataloguing

- As to its edition
- As to its content and character
- As to its physical form.
Thus a library catalogue should convey full information to the users about the availability
of the materials that are accessible through different approaches.
Functions
The functions of a library catalogue are, in fact, more or less restatements of Cutter’s
objectives. A library catalogue must perform the following functions:
 To ascertain the availability of a particular document in the library, which can be
specified by its author or title or subject;
 To show the users the existing collection of the library which may be written:
- By a given author or authors
- On a given subject or subjects
- In a given kind of literature or form of material; and
 To assist the users in choosing a particular document from the large collection
of the library as to its edition, content and character, physical form, new additions,
etc.
According to Dr. S.R. Ranganathan the function of a library catalogue is to help the
exploitation of library resources in conformity with the five laws of library science.
As such it should be so designed as to:
 Disclose to every reader his or her document ( the document needed by the
reader);
 Secure for every document its reader; and
 Save the time of the reader and staff.
Thus, a library catalogue should serve as the most effective and efficient instrument
to retrieve all kinds of documents the library has.
Activity I
After going through the above description, try to memorise, – have you ever seen
or used a library catalogue? Visit a nearby library and use the catalogue of that
library. Based upon your experience there try to answer the following:
a) What did you see in the cabinet?
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Cataloguing b) Which approach(s) helped you to find the desired document?
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c) What problem(s) you have encountered while locating and using the catalogue?
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Self Check Exercise
Note: i) Write your answers in the space given below.
ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
1) What do you mean by a library catalogue?
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2) Describe the functions of a library catalogue.
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3.3 CATALOGUING PROCESS

Cataloguing is the process of preparation of entries for the construction of a catalogue
in a library. It means preparing bibliographic records of the documents. A bibliographic
record is an entry which contains data elements like call number, name of the author,
title, etc. of a book. These records become the entries of a catalogue. There are two
types of entries in a conventional library catalogue. They are:
 Main entry: It gives detail information about the document.
 Added entries: These entries are supplementary entries providing various access
points for document retrieval.

3.3.1 Catalogue Card

The entries are usually made in a standard catalogue card of 3"x5" or 12.5cm x
48 7.5cm size. The card may be a white blank card or a card with lines printed on it.
A sample of such a card (without lines) is shown below: Basics of Cataloguing

Card no. 1
First Indention HorizontalLine (Main Line)
Second Indention
Third Imaginary Indention

Punch Hole

Structure of a Catalogue Card

First Indention: Starts from nine spaces from the left margin of the card.
Second Indention: Starts from thirteen spaces from the left margin.
Third Imaginary Indention: Starts from fifteen spaces from the left margin.
3.3.2 Unit Card System
While preparing added entries, if we use all the information recorded in the main
entry it is called unit card system, as they carry the same information. In unit card
system we give information in a brief form, as the detail has been recorded in the
main entry. The only difference is that in case of added entries, the approach/access
points are made at the top of the card starting from the second indention.
Card no. 2

301
ATK Atkinson, G.B.
Studying society: an introduction to
social science/G.B Atkinson. –New York :
Oxford University Press,1987.
3498 342p.; 24cm.
ISBN 0-19-8780-13-3
1.Society-studies. I.Title.

Main Entry in Unit Card System 49

Cataloguing Card no. 3

301 SOCIETY STUDIES

ATK Atkinson, G.B.
Studying society: an introduction to
social science/G.B Atkinson. –New York :
Oxford University Press,1987.
3498 342p.; 24cm.
ISBN 0-19-8780-13-3
1.Society-studies. I.Title.

Subject Added Entry in Unit Card System

Card no. 4

301 Studying Society : an Introduction to

Social Sciences
ATK Atkinson, G.B.
Studying society: an introduction to
social science/G.B Atkinson. –New York :
Oxford University Press,1987.
3498 342p.; 24cm.
ISBN 0-19-8780-13-3
1.Society-studies. I.Title.

Title Added Entry in Unit Card System

3.3.3 Cataloguing Code

Catalogue entries are prepared according to certain rules. These rules are included
in cataloguing codes. These codes are adopted by libraries to guide the cataloguers
in preparation of catalogue cards/entries. This helps in ensuring uniformity in the
cataloguing process. Names of such codes are given below for your reference:
 1841 British Museum Cataloguing Rules
 1852 Jewett’s Rules
 1876 Cutter’s Rules
 1908 Anglo-American Code
 1934 Classified Catalogue Code (CCC)
50
 1948 Vatican Rules Basics of Cataloguing

 1949 ALA Rules

 1949 LC Description Rules
 1967 Anglo American Cataloguing Rules(AACR-1)
 1978 Anglo American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-2)
 1988 Anglo American Cataloguing Rules (AACR-2 R)

3.3.4 Cataloguing Elements

According to majority of the cataloguing codes, the main entry for a book consists
of the following elements:
 Call number of the book
 Author’s name
 Title of the book
 Sub-title of the book
 Edition of the book
 Imprint information (place of publication: publisher, date of publication)
 Collation information (pagination, illustration, size)
 Series note
 Notes i.e. some additional information about the book
 Contents
 Accession number of the book

3.3.5 Basic Operations

The cataloguing process involves the following basic operations:
 Choice and rendering of headings of main entry and added entries;
 Recording of information in the areas /sections of entries;
 Determination of style of writing, punctuation marks, capitalisation;
 Preparation of entries;
 Recording call numbers of the documents;
 Filing of catalogue cards;
 Preparation of guide cards; and
 Maintenance and updating of entries.
Note: Examples of choice and rendering of headings are included in the next Unit
of this Block.

51
Cataloguing Self Check Exercise
Note: i) Write your answers in the space given below.
ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
3) What is the standard size of a library catalogue card?
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4) What are the basic elements of a main entry?
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5) Name any five cataloguing codes.
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3.4 FORMS OF LIBRARY CATALOGUE

There are two forms of a library catalogue:
1) Outer / Physical Forms
2) Inner Forms
1) Outer/ Physical Forms: The outer/physical forms generally comprise:
 Bound register/ledger form
 Sheaf or loose form, printed book
 Card form
 Shelf list
 Machine readable form; etc.
Card catalogue is generally considered as the most popular physical form.
The features of the best physical form of a library catalogue are:
 Easy for use
 Easy to update
 Permits browsing

52
 Enable production of multiple copies
 Occupies very little space Basics of Cataloguing

 Acts as a good retrieval tool.

The Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) is the form which is generally used in
automated libraries these days. OPAC is a library catalogue which is in computerised
form having searching and browsing facilities. When the OPAC of any library is
connected to Web and is accessible not only to the users of that library but to all
users throughout the world, then it is known as webOPAC.

Fig. 3.5: A Person using Online Catalogue in a Library

Source: www.kitsapun.com

Fig. 3.6: Home page of IGNOU’s OPAC

Source: http://www.ignou.ac.in

In the above home page of IGNOU’s OPAC the search term library
cataloguing is given, in response to this search term the page given below
appears 53
Cataloguing

Fig. 3.7: Search Result using IGNOU’s OPAC

Source: http://www.ignou.ac.in

The card catalogue has served as the standard outer/physical form for almost a
century. After the advent of OPAC the card form of the catalogue is becoming
outdated. In spite of this you are learning how to prepare catalogue cards in this
course because it will give you theoretical knowledge of the concept. Moreover,
card form of catalogue will help the users locate documents till your library is
automated.
2) Inner Forms: The inner forms, on the other hand, determine the order or mode
of arrangement of the entry elements. Such forms include:
 Author catalogue
 Name catalogue
 Title catalogue
 Subject catalogue
 Dictionary catalogue
 Classified catalogue
Of these, dictionary and classified catalogues are important inner forms of catalogue.
Points to remember:
* Good library services will not be provided without a catalogue.
* A catalogue also helps in book selection and acquisition.
* It helps in identifying the interrelated subjects.
* It gives the idea about the location of a book.
54
 Basics of Cataloguing
3.5 KINDS OF ENTRIES AND APPROACHES OF
THE USERS
Entries can be grouped under two categories:
 Main entry: It is the basic entry, which provides all the essential information
about a document. This helps the users to identify a particular document available
in the library.
 Added entries/ Additional entries: Added entries, as supplementary entries
to the main entry, help the users to find a document under different access
points/ approaches. The access points and approaches are the following:
- Author approach: This approach helps the user to find a document by its
author’s name.
- Title approach: With this approach the user can locate a document by its
title.
- Subject approach: Through this approach documents can be located by
the subject.
- Series approach: This approach helps in locating a document according
to its series name and number.
- Content approach (analytical): It helps in finding out a particular part(s)
of a document, etc.
Now let us discuss various kinds of entries under the dictionary catalogue and
classified catalogue. But first we must know about a dictionary catalogue and a
classified catalogue.
In dictionary catalogue the entries are arranged according to alphabetical
order and in classified catalogue the entries are arranged according to
class numbers.

3.5.1 Entries Under the Dictionary Catalogue

Different types of entries under this catalogue include:
- Main entry: Generally prepared basing the author, corporate author and sometimes
by the title if the author is not given.
- Added entries: There are various types of added entries. These include
collaborator entries, subject entries, title entries, reference entries and analytical
entries.
- Collaborator entry: The editor, translator, illustrator, etc. comes under the category
of collaborators.
- Subject entry: Prepared basing the subject of the document.
- Title entry: Prepared basing the title of the document.
- Reference entries: These are generally of two types ‘see’ and ‘see also’ reference
entries.
- Analytical entries: These are of three types:
 Author analytical: Prepared basing the author of the part of a document.
 Subject analytical: Prepared basing the subject of the part of a document.
55
 Title analytical: Prepared basing the title of the part of a document.
Cataloguing You will learn more about analytical entries in BLIS programme. The other added
entries will be discussed in detail in the second Unit of this course.

Main Entry Added Entries

Joint Author Subject Subject Title Title Collaborator Series Reference

Author Analytical Analytical Analytical

Editor Translator Illustrator Others

Subject Others

See See Also

Variant Alternative Real name Editor of

Forms of names pseudonym Series
names

Fig.3.8: Different Types of Entries in a Dictionary Catalogue

The author of a document is given the maximum importance in a dictionary catalogue.

But there are varieties of books written by two or more than two authors, corporate
bodies’ like a government department, a society, an association or organisation, etc.
This creates problems in preparing the main entry while choosing the headings. In this
case the rules given in the catalogue code adopted by the library should be examined.
The main entry can be made under the name of the person, body, organisation, etc.
as per the rules given in the code. Added entries also should be prepared by other
possible approaches like subject, title, etc. In the dictionary catalogue, two types of
reference entries namely “See” reference and “See also” reference are provided. A
“See” reference directs the user from a form of the name of person, body or title
of a document to the form that has been chosen for the catalogue. For example, a
Manipuri personal name IBOHAL can be written as:

56
 IBOHANBI Basics of Cataloguing

IBUNGOHAL, etc.

A user may search the catalogue under any of these forms. In such cases ‘See’
reference entries are provided.

Card no.5

Ibohal
See
Ibohani

For subject also such entries can be provided as in the example below.

Card no.6

CYTOLOGY
See
CELLS

On the other hand, a “See also” reference directs the users from one heading to
other related headings. Examine the following example:

57
Cataloguing Card no. 7

CATALOGUING
See also
TECHNICAL SERVICE

Cataloguing is an important technical service of a library. In the example, there are

entries in the catalogue both under the Referred from heading CATALOGUING
and also under the Referred to heading TECHNICAL SERVICE. Such entries
enable the user to find the related materials.
Data Elements in Dictionary Catalogue
Data elements are those elements that provide information about a document in the
catalogue entry. A group of data elements arranged in a prescribed order constitute
the area of description. According to the International Standard Bibliographic
Description (ISBD) there are eight areas for describing a document:
- Title and Statement of Responsibility
- Edition
- Material ( or type of publication ) specific details
- Publication, Distribution, etc.
- Physical Description
- Series
- Note
- Standard Number and Terms of availability
AACR-2R provides details about these areas. However, it is not necessary that
every catalogued document should have all these areas. The code also prescribes
three levels of description. According to the nature, size of the library and also the
nature of the document the cataloguer has to decide whether to give all the areas of
description or omit some areas. The details of these areas and levels of description
are discussed in the Unit-4 of this course. There are nine parts/sections in the main
entry of a dictionary catalogue. They are:
1) Heading: Main access point for the document.
2) Body of the entry: The first paragraph of the main entry consists of four areas:
58
 a) title and statement of responsibility; Basics of Cataloguing

b) edition;
c) type of material; and
d) publication, etc.
3) Physical description area: The second paragraph gives information about the
volume number, page number, illustrations, size of the document, etc.
4) Series area: It provides information about documents published under series.
5) Note area: This area provides additional useful information about the document.
6) Standard number and terms of availability area: ISBN or ISSN is given
in this area.
7) Tracing: Last paragraph of the main entry indicates the added entries.
8) Call number: Notational unique symbols to identify a document and it is
entered at the upper left corner of the card.
9) Accession number: Serial number of the document usually transcribed on the
5th line from the top of the catalogue card of the main entry.
The following skeleton card shows the way how these data elements are transcribed
in the main entry of a dictionary catalogue as per AACR-2R.
Card no. 8

Call No. Author’s Name

Title: Subtitle/Author(s); Collaborator(s).
-- Edition. -- Place of Publication: name of the
publisher, date of publication
Acc. No. No. of pages: ill; size of document in cm
-- (Series/editor of series, ISSN of series; No.
of the series).
Note
Standard Number
Tracing

Skeleton Card showing Data Elements

For the added entries, if Unit Card System is followed, the same data elements as
in the main entry are to be transcribed giving the added entry element at the top of
card starting from the second indention. Subject headings for the added entries are
derived from a standard list of subject headings, e.g. Sears List of Subject
Headings. In case Unit Card System is not followed, the following elements are
generally given:
 Call number
 Added entry elements
 Main entry heading 59
Cataloguing  Title
 Edition
 Year
Examine the following structures given in card no. 9 and 10:
Card no. 9

330.155
MOH Mohendro Singh, N.
Welfare econics. -- 3rd ed. -- 2009.
xi,305p.;23 cm.—(Economics series; 6)

3050
1. Welfare Economics. I. Title.

Structure of a Main Entry Card

Card no. 10

330.155 WELFARE ECONOMICS

MOH Mohendro Singh, N.
Welfare econics. -- 3rd ed. -- 2009.

3050

Structure of an Added Entry without following Unit Card System

3.5.2 Entries According to Classified Catalogue Code of

Ranganathan
A classified catalogue consists of two parts:
Classified part: This part includes number entries comprising main and cross reference
entries.
Alphabetical part: This part includes word entries comprising alphabetical entries.
60
All entries of this part are added entries.
Under classified catalogue the following different kinds of entries are prepared: Basics of Cataloguing

Classified part:
 Main Entry: In a classified catalogue it is always prepared by Call no. (Class
number and book no.) so it is the number entry. It is the subject entry.
 Cross Reference Entries: These are also number entries prepared by the
class number of the part of the document. These are added entries.
Alphabetical part:
 Class Index Entries: These are added and word entries, derived by chain
procedure from the class number of the main entry.
 Book Index Entries: These are added entries prepared under the name of
author, collaborator, series, and in some cases title also (if the title is fanciful).
 Cross Reference Index Entries: These are ‘see’ and ‘see also’ entries. They
directs the user from one heading to another.
Data Elements in Classified Catalogue
In the classified catalogue, the sections or parts in the main entry include:
 Leading section: It is the first section occupied by the call number.
 Heading: This section records the authorship or its substitute element.
 Title section: This section provides the title of the document.
 Note section: It provides additional information about the document.eg. series.
 Accession number section: It records the accession number at the first vertical
of the bottom-most line.
 Tracing section: This section is appears on the reverse of the Main Entry card
in the following way:
- The reverse of the card is imagined to be divided into two halves.
- On the left half of the card cross reference entries are listed.
- Class index entries, book index entries, cross reference index entries are
listed on the right half of the card.
Card no. 11

Leading Section
Heading Section
Title Section
Note Section

Accession Number Section

Skeleton of a Main Entry Card 61

Cataloguing Card no. 11 (A)

Cross Reference Entry Class Index Entry(s)

Book Index Entry(s)

Cross Reference Index

Entry(s)

Skeleton of a Tracing at back of Main Entry Card

In case of other entries, the heading section is occupied by alphabetical words

entries. A specimen main entry as per Classified Catalogue Code is shown below:

Card no. 12

2:55 N3 N58
RANGANATHAN (S R).
Classified catalogue code with additional
rules for a dictionary catalogue. Ed 5. Assis by
A.Neelameghan.
(Ranganathan series in library science. 2).
65321

Main Entry according to CCC

The cross reference is given under the class number for the other classes for which
entries are to be made. Thus cross reference links relate works or concepts. The
Class Index Entries are derived from the class number through chain procedure.
Such entries direct the user to the classified part of the catalogue.

62
 Card no. 13 Basics of Cataloguing

Leading Section
Direction Section
Index Number Section

Skeleton Card of CIE

Now let us see how these entries are prepared with the help of the example:

From the class number 2.55 N3 N58 the Class Index Entries are derived as follows:

2:55N3 N58 : S R Ranganathan (Sought link)

2:55 N3 : Classified Catalogue Code (Sought link)

2:55 : Cataloguing (Sought link)

2:5 : Technical Treatment, Library Science (Unsought link)

2: : False link

2 : Library Science (Sought link)

The above entries are derived by using the chain procedure by using the 6th rev. ed.
of Colon Classification. In chain procedure the sought link is that link through which
a user approaches his/her document. The unsought link is that link which is not
looked by any user while searching his/her document. The false link is that part of
the chain which does not represent a class number and generally ends at a connecting
symbol.

In this way the following four entries are prepared from the above chain:

Raganathan (S R), Classified Catalogue Code

Classified Catalogue Code, Cataloguing

Cataloguing, Technical Treatment

Library Science

63
Cataloguing Tracing

Ranganathan,S.R,
Classified catalogue code.
Classified catalogue code,
Cataloguing.
Cataloguing, Technical
treatment.
Library Science.
Ranganathan, S.R.
Ranganathan series in library
science.

Back of the main Entry Card

From card no.14 to 17 Class Index Entries are shown.
Card no. 14

RANGANATHAN (S.R), CLASSIFIED

CATALOGUE CODE.
For documents in this Class and its
Subdivisions, see the Classified Part of the
catalogue under the Class Number
2:55N3 N58

Card no. 15

CLASSIFIED CATALOGUE CODE,

CATALOGUING.
For documents in this Class and its
Subdivisions, see the Classified Part of the
catalogue under the Class Number
2:55N3

64
 Card no. 16 Basics of Cataloguing

CATALOGUING, TECHNICAL
TREATMENT.
For documents in this Class and its
Subdivisions, see the Classified Part of the
catalogue under the Class Number
2:55

Card no. 17

LIBRARY SCIENCE.
For documents in this Class and its
Subdivisions, see the Classified Part of the
catalogue under the Class Number 2

The Class Index Entry as shown in above cards consists of three sections
 Leading Section: It contains the heading, subheadings for CIE derived from
chain procedure
 Directing Section: It directs the reader to class number. This section consists of
the following directing words:
“For documents in this Class and its Subdivisions, see the Classified Part of the
catalogue under the Class Number”
Note: The following seven alphabets of the above directing section are written in
capitals:
F- For
C- Class
S- Subdivisions
C- Classified 65
Cataloguing P- Part
C- Class
N- Number
 Index Number: It consists of Class Number representing the heading section.
Book index entries are prepared under the names of authors, editors, translators,
series, sometimes title, etc.
In card no.18 a book index entry of author is shown
Card no. 18

RANGANATHAN (S R).
Classified catalogue code with additional
rules for a dictionary catalogue. Ed 5.
2:55 N3 N58

In card no.19 a BIE of series is shown

Card no. 19

RANGANATHAN SERIES IN LIBRARY

SCIENCE
2 Ranganathan: Classified catalogue code
with additional rules for a dictionary catalogue.
Ed 5. 2:55 N3 N58

Cross reference index entries are prepared to direct the attention of the user from
one heading to another synonymous heading in the alphabetical part.
In card no.20 a cross reference index entry is shown.
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 Card no. 20 Basics of Cataloguing

IGNOU
See also
INDIRA GANDHI NATIONAL OPEN
UNIVERSITY

Such entries are prepared to meet the different approaches of the users.
Self Check Exercise
Note: i) Write your answers in the space given below.
ii) Check your answers with the answers given at the end of this Unit.
6) Write the features of the best physical form of a library catalogue.
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
7) What are the different kinds of entries that can be prepared in a library catalogue?
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
........................................................................................................................
8) Fill in the blanks:
1) Word ‘Katalogus’ is derived from a ............................ word.
2) ......................... indention of a catalogue card is called imaginary indention.
3) ......................... is called the father of library cataloguing.

3.6 SUMMARY
A library catalogue is one of important search tools of the library materials. It aims
to fulfil the needs of the users for locating materials available in the library. To meet
the approaches of the users such catalogues are prepared using standard size catalogue
cards. Different entries are, therefore, prepared such as main entry, added entries,
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etc. While preparing catalogue entries, any library has to follow a standard code as
Cataloguing per its requirements. Certain operations need to be followed for the purpose. It is
also essential to follow certain principles and rules concerning the choice of headings,
format, etc. The process of making a catalogue is known as cataloguing. In the
process the cataloguer has to know about the data elements to be transcribed on the
specific areas of the catalogue card.

3.7 ANSWERS TO SELF CHECK EXERCISES

1) A library catalogue is a list of documents available in a library, arranged according
to some rule, which is used to retrieve the desired material from the library.
2) The functions of a library catalogue are: i) to make the users know about the
documents available in the library; ii) to enable them find documents through
different approaches such as by author, title, subject, etc.; and iii) to assist them
in choosing a particular document out of the huge collection.
3) The standard size of a catalogue card is 5"x3" or 12.5cm x 7.5cm.
4) The basic elements of a Main Entry are: Call Number, Author, Title, Sub-title,
Edition, Imprint, Collation, Series Note, Notes, Contents and Accession
Number.
5) British Museum Cataloguing Rules, Cutter’s Rules, Vatican Rules, ALA Rules,
AACR-2.
6) The features of the best physical form of a library catalogue include:
Easy for use, updating, and access; occupying little space; ability for producing
multiple copies; and acting as a good retrieval tool.
7) The different kinds of entries that can be prepared in a library catalogue include
main entry and added entries. To meet different approaches of the users different
kinds of added entries under different access points such as collaborator, title,
subject, analytical, reference, cross references, etc. are prepared.
8) 1) Greek
2) Third
3) Charles Ammi Cutters

3.8 KEYWORDS
Access Point : A term used to search or identify a document
from the library, also known as approach point.
Bibliographic Record : A catalogue entry giving full bibliographic
description of the document such as author,
title, edition, publisher, place, date, etc.
Call Number : Notation used to identify and locate a document
from the library. It comprises class number, book
number and collection number of the document.
Cataloguer : The person who prepares catalogue in the
library.
Chain Procedure : Procedure to derive class index entries from a
class number. This mechanical method was
introduced by S.R.Ranganathan.
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Classified Catalogue : A catalogue in which subject entries are arranged Basics of Cataloguing
according to class number of the document.
Collaborator : A person who associates with other person(s)
to produce a document.
Dictionary Catalogue : A catalogue of word entries (author, title,
subject, series, etc.) arranged in a general
alphabetical order and usable as a dictionary.
Document : A term used to denote a book and other similar
information sources.
Fanciful Title : Title that does not disclose the subject of the
work.
Indentions : Designated vertical margins or spaces from the
left margin of the catalogue card.

3.9 SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

i) Visit some of the nearby libraries of your locality and try to find out:
a) The name of the cataloguing code they are using.
b) The types of entries they prepare.
c) The form of catalogue they use.
d) The number of libraries using software packages for cataloguing.
e) The name the software package being used by them.
ii) Ask some of the users of these libraries and assess their level of satisfaction on
the use of library catalogues and find out the most suitable form of the catalogues
used by them.

3.10 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. 2ndrev.ed.Chicago: American Library
Association, 1988.Print.
Girja Kumar, and Krishan Kumar. Theory of Cataloguing. 5th rev.ed. New Delhi:
Vikas Publishing House, 1993. Print.
Krishan Kumar. Cataloguing. New Delhi:Har Anand Publications, 1993. Print.
IGNOU. Library Cataloguing Theory. BLIS-04, Blocks 1-4. New Delhi: IGNOU,
2008. Print.
Ranganathan, S.R. Classified Catalogue Code with Additional Rules for
Dictionary Catalogue.5th ed. Bangalore: Sarada Ranganathan Endowment for Library
Science, 1992. Print.
Viswanathan, C.G. Cataloguing Theory and Practice. 5th ed. Lucknow: Print House,
1983. Print.

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