Katalóguslevéltári

Katalóguslevéltári refers to a specific type of archival catalog or index within a library or archive. It is essentially a record or inventory of items held within a collection, organized in a systematic way to facilitate retrieval and research. These catalogs are crucial for archivists and researchers to understand the scope and content of an archival repository.

The term is a combination of "katalógus," meaning catalog, and "levéltári," relating to archives or archival materials. Therefore, a katalóguslevéltári can be understood as an archival catalog. These catalogs can take various forms, from traditional card catalogs to sophisticated digital databases. The level of detail in a katalóguslevéltári can vary significantly. Some may provide only basic information such as the title and date of a document, while others may include extensive descriptive metadata, subject headings, and cross-references.

The purpose of a katalóguslevéltári is to make archival collections accessible. Without a well-organized catalog, finding specific documents within a large archive would be an extremely difficult and time-consuming task. They serve as a roadmap to the holdings, enabling users to identify relevant materials for their research interests. Over time, the methods and formats of creating and maintaining katalóguslevéltári have evolved, reflecting advancements in information management and archival science. The ongoing digitization of archival materials has led to the development of online katalóguslevéltári, expanding access beyond physical visits.