- Access: Electronic card catalogs are accessible through a computer or a mobile device with an internet connection, both within and outside the library.
- Search Functionality: These systems provide advanced search capabilities, allowing users to search for items by title, author, subject, ISBN, keywords, or other relevant fields.
- Digital Catalog: The electronic card catalog contains a digital representation of all the items in the library's collection. This includes books, articles, journals, audio-visual materials, and more.
- Real-Time Updates: The electronic card catalog is continuously updated with new acquisitions and changes to the collection. It reflects the current availability and status of library materials.
- User-Friendly Interface: Electronic card catalogs are designed with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for patrons to navigate, understand, and search the library's holdings.
- Integration: Many modern library management systems integrate the electronic card catalog with other services such as circulation, interlibrary loan, and account management.
- Remote Access: Electronic card catalogs can be accessed remotely, allowing library users to search for and reserve items from the comfort of their homes or offices.
- Online Renewals and Requests: Patrons can often renew items or place holds on unavailable materials through the electronic card catalog.
- Resource Sharing: Some electronic card catalogs allow for resource sharing among libraries, enabling users to locate materials that may be available in other library collections.
- Cataloguing Standards: Electronic card catalogs typically adhere to international cataloguing standards like MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging), ensuring consistency in the representation of bibliographic data.
The electronic card catalog revolutionized library research, providing patrons with convenient, quick, and comprehensive access to the library's collection. It has significantly enhanced users' ability to find, discover, and utilize library resources.