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More information on this topic can be found
in Chapter 8 of the textbook.
The Development of Online Catalogs:
Since the internet has become a popular means of research, many libraries have been converting their card catalogs to online public access catalogs (OPACs). If a library has an OPAC online, you can search that library's holdings without physically visiting the library. Many libraries offer access to their online catalogs through telnet, which remotely controls a computer at the library running their proprietary catalog software; but more and more libraries are making their information available through a web-based browser.
Characteristics of Online Library Catalogs:
Besides letting you know what materials a specific library may have on your subject, most OPACs also will tell you if the book or magazine is actually on the shelf, and in some cases (like Howard County library), you can reserve a checked-out book while online. Some libraries also offer full text cataloguing and the ability to search their special collections.
Once you've located a text you wish to physically check out, you can oftentimes obtain the book through interlibrary loan from your local library.
Local Libraries:
How To Find Library Catalogs:
Libweb: Library www servers - will show you all types of
libraries, some requiring telnet for access; others with a www interface.
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Libweb/
LIBCAT: A guide to library resources on the internet - is good
for lists of special collections and the names of libraries where they can be found.
http://208.249.120.62/lc/lc1.cfm
webCATS only lists web-based online catalogs.
http://www.lights.com/webcats/
Email your instructor
© Howard Community College 2002
Last updated: 16 Apr 2003
