OnlineKatalog

OnlineKatalog is a term used for online catalog systems that libraries, archives, retailers, and other institutions use to organize, search, and access descriptions of their holdings. A typical OnlineKatalog provides a web-based interface for searching by keyword, title, author, ISBN, subject, or format, and for browsing items by collection, location, or category. Each item record includes bibliographic metadata, holdings information (such as available copies and location), and access or request options (for example, holds, loans, or digital downloads).

Catalogs often support advanced search features, including facets, filtering, and relevance ranking, to help users refine results. They rely on metadata standards such as MARC, Dublin Core, or schema.org and commonly support interoperability through protocols or APIs (for example, Z39.50, SRU/SRW, or OAI-PMH). Many OnlineKatalogs expose an API or integration layer so external discovery services can index records or provide unified search across multiple collections.

Access policies vary: public catalogs are open to all, while others require authentication for certain actions or digital resources. Integration with library management systems enables workflows for cataloging, acquisitions, and circulation, and with digitization platforms for linking bibliographic records to digital objects. In German-speaking regions, “OnlineKatalog” is a common term for online catalogs; in other contexts the equivalent is often called an online public access catalog (OPAC).