MECHANIZATION OF CATALOGING PROCEDURES.

Area of Science:

• Library Science
• Information Science
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Traditional catalog card production is labor-intensive.
• The need for efficient and cost-effective library cataloging solutions is growing.
• Medical libraries face unique challenges in managing large volumes of information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a mechanized procedure for producing library catalog cards.
• To reduce the cost and increase the efficiency of catalog card generation.
• To create a system for producing final-form catalog cards ready for filing.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Columbia-Harvard-Yale Medical Libraries Computerization Project.
• Developed a workflow involving worksheets, punched cards, and an IBM 1401 computer.
• Employed magnetic tape for processing punched card data.
• Used an 870 Document Writer for final card printing.

Main Results:

• Successfully operationalized a mechanized catalog card production system.
• Produced catalog cards in final form, ready for immediate filing.
• Achieved a production cost of 12.5 cents per card.

Conclusions:

• The mechanized procedure significantly enhances efficiency in catalog card production.
• The system offers a cost-effective solution for medical libraries.
• Automation in library cataloging is feasible and beneficial.