Even in the computer age, some people still use card catalogs.
Card catalogs are a traditional means for keeping track of the items you have in a collection. They are most often associated with libraries and university archives. However, many other organizations, from businesses to historical societies, might use a card catalog. If you want to create your own card catalog, be it for organization records or a private library, the process is fairly straightforward, although with larger collections it can be very time-consuming.
Instructions
1. Choose the catalog system you will use. Most libraries now use the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system, while others are using the older Dewey Decimal system. If you have a small collection or something other than books, you can use a simple cross-indexed alphabetical system.
2. Write up a complete list of all the items you have in your collection. For books, fill out an index card with the name of the author, the title, the publisher and publishing date, what subject it comes under and a short description. For other items, like business reports or organization minutes, give the name of the author or recorder, the date or dates and the subject involved.
3. Add the ISBN (International Standard Book Number) to the index card if the item is a book. Also add a unique number or code for the card so the cards can be organized and cross-referenced. For a book this would be a code number from the system you are using.
4. Add labels to the items cataloged so that you can organize them and find them based on the catalog information. Avoid using labels that might damage the item.
5. Organize the cards either by title, author, subject or date. Place them in the drawers you will be using.
