Definition of a Dictionary Catalogue
Dictionary Catalogue
According to Ranganathan (1939), A dictionary catalogue is a catalogue in which all entries are word entries.
AACR1 (1967), says that, “a dictionary catalogue refers to a catalogue in which all entries such as (author, title, subject and series) and their related references are arranged together in one general alphabet”.
Also a dictionary catalogue as its name implies, is one which is arranged like a dictionary in a single, straightforward alphabetical sequence, by Harrison Colin and Beenham Rosemary (1985).
The following are the characteristics of dictionary catalogue:
Entries are arranged alphabetically from A – Z;
It contain divided catalogue;
Bibliographic information includes references, see and see also.
The dictionary catalogue due to its arrangement has the following advantages:
It is easy to understand since it follow alphabetical or sequence. Hence every one can access no matter its knowledge level because verbal headings are more easily understood than the classification symbols.
The sequence headings and references are independent of a classification scheme hence can avoid the pitfalls of any specific classification scheme.
Lead direct to a given subject which has a known name. It makes easier retrieval of information to a known author, title or subject as all are arranged alphabetically.
It saves time to the reader as well as to the library staff due to its provision of quickest retrieval of information.
Completeness – since all entries that are author, title and subject, collaborators and series are there hence it allows users to navigate whatever they wish.
Knowledge of classification schemes is not necessary as many users are familiar with this type of arrangement such as a normal dictionary or telephone directory.
As it has been stated above that dictionary a catalogue is very familiar to the community, it has the following drawbacks or disadvantages:
Related documents appear to be scattered. For example,
According to Ranganathan (1939), A dictionary catalogue is a catalogue in which all entries are word entries.
AACR1 (1967), says that, “a dictionary catalogue refers to a catalogue in which all entries such as (author, title, subject and series) and their related references are arranged together in one general alphabet”.
Also a dictionary catalogue as its name implies, is one which is arranged like a dictionary in a single, straightforward alphabetical sequence, by Harrison Colin and Beenham Rosemary (1985).
The following are the characteristics of dictionary catalogue:
Entries are arranged alphabetically from A – Z;
It contain divided catalogue;
Bibliographic information includes references, see and see also.
The dictionary catalogue due to its arrangement has the following advantages:
It is easy to understand since it follow alphabetical or sequence. Hence every one can access no matter its knowledge level because verbal headings are more easily understood than the classification symbols.
The sequence headings and references are independent of a classification scheme hence can avoid the pitfalls of any specific classification scheme.
Lead direct to a given subject which has a known name. It makes easier retrieval of information to a known author, title or subject as all are arranged alphabetically.
It saves time to the reader as well as to the library staff due to its provision of quickest retrieval of information.
Completeness – since all entries that are author, title and subject, collaborators and series are there hence it allows users to navigate whatever they wish.
Knowledge of classification schemes is not necessary as many users are familiar with this type of arrangement such as a normal dictionary or telephone directory.
As it has been stated above that dictionary a catalogue is very familiar to the community, it has the following drawbacks or disadvantages:
Related documents appear to be scattered. For example,
References: 1. Aina, L. O., (2004), Library and Information Science Text for Africa. Nigeria: University of Ibadan, p.96 – 97. 2. Harrison, C. (1985), Basic of Librarianship. London: Clive Bingley Publication, p.67-71. 3. Taylor, A. G, (2006), Introduction to Cataloging and Classification. – 10th ed.- London: Libraries Unlimited, p. 12-13.