BibliothekskatalogEintragung

Bibliothekskatalog, or library catalog, is a structured record of a library's holdings and bibliographic information. It serves as a searchable index that helps users locate items and assists staff in acquisitions, cataloging, and circulation. In German-language contexts the term Bibliothekskatalog is common, while many libraries use the English term library catalog or OPAC for online catalogs.

Historically, catalogs were handwritten lists or printed card catalogs. With the rise of computerization, catalogs became electronic and, later, accessible online as online public access catalogs (OPACs). Modern catalogs are typically integrated with library management systems and allow simultaneous search of multiple formats, including print, audiovisual materials, and digital resources.

Records describe bibliographic items with fields for title, author, edition, publication data, language, physical form, subjects, and identifiers such as ISBN. Holdings data indicate the specific copies available, their location, and current status. Metadata standards such as MARC 21, Dublin Core, and schema.org mappings support interoperability, while conceptual models like FRBR help distinguish works, expressions, manifestations, and items.

Users search by keyword, author, title, subject, or identifier and refine results with filters. Catalogs often provide links to full text or digitized copies, hold and request options, and integration with interlibrary loan. Standards and protocols such as Z39.50, SRU/W, and REST APIs enable cross-library discovery and access.

Overall, the Bibliothekskatalog improves access to a library's resources, supports efficient collection management, and facilitates resource sharing across libraries and platforms.