kortkataloger

Kortkataloger, or card catalogs, are traditional bibliographic catalogs used in libraries. They consist of index cards organized in drawers that describe library materials and indicate where items can be found on the shelves. Each card typically records elements such as author, title, publication data, subject terms, and a call number or shelf location. Libraries often maintained separate author, title, and subject catalogs to support different search strategies, and some included classification numbers to reflect the library’s system.

Origin and development: Card catalogs became widespread in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, alongside standardized classification systems such as the Dewey Decimal Classification. The format supported consistent cataloging practices and could be updated without reorganizing the entire collection. The use of standardized fields and indexing terms facilitated search by patrons and staff, enabling browsing and precise retrieval.

Transition to digital: Beginning in the mid- to late 20th century, libraries started replacing physical cards with computer-based catalogs, using MARC records and integrated library systems. Online public access catalogs (OPACs) allowed remote searching and cross-referencing. Despite digital catalogs, many libraries preserved card catalogs as historical artifacts or practical backups in case of technical issues.

Legacy and current relevance: Kortkataloger influenced library organization and cataloging practices by promoting standardized bibliographic records and index-based discovery. They remain of interest for library history and archival preservation, and some smaller or specialized libraries maintain hybrid systems that include card catalogs alongside modern digital catalogs.