This document compares and contrasts dictionary catalogs and classified catalogs. A dictionary catalog lists all entries alphabetically by author, title, subject, etc. A classified catalog has some number entries and some word entries, with materials arranged in two parts: a classified section by class number and an alphabetical index. A classified catalog allows for easier assessment of collection strengths and weaknesses by subject and shows relationships between subjects. It is more suitable than a dictionary catalog for large, specialized libraries and preparing subject bibliographies. However, a dictionary catalog is easier to use and maintain subject entries in the alphabetical section.

1. Aparna S

2. Dictionary catalogue Classified catalogue
A catalogue in which all
the entries are word
entries.
A catalogue in which
some entries are number
entries and some are
word entries.
Definition - According to Ranganathan
Arrangement
One single alphabetical
sequence of author, title,
subject, series etc.
Two parts-1) Classified parts
arranged by class numbers
2) Alphabetical index.
Filing of author
Works of the same
author, different edition,
different translations are
kept together.
Alphabetical index gets
this filing of authors and
works.

3. Dictionary catalogue Classified catalogue
Related subjects gets
scattered but can be joint
by cross reference.
It is organized
arrangement of subjects,
displaying their relations.
Classified parts brings
subject relation.
Filing of subject
Printing of subject catalogue
Subject catalogue is more
difficult to print.
Any class or subject
catalogue can be printed at
any time easily.
Assessment strength
There is possibility of
assessing the strength or
weakness of particular
subject.
Collection strength or
weakness of a subject can be
easily assessed.

4. Dictionary catalogue Classified catalogue
Subject approach
independent of any
classification scheme.
Entirely dependent on
classification.
Relation to
classification scheme
New subjects
New heading of subject
inserted without any difficulty.
It is fit for subject inserted
properly.
Feature headings
No need to be dependent
on any classification scheme
given as required.
Verbal equivalent of class
numbers necessary as
feature headings.

5. Dictionary catalogue Classified catalogue
It is ease for use as it is
simple and straight forward.
A single search is enough
to find any place of
information.
Two step search via
alphabetical index and then
to classified part.
Easy to use
Printing
Printing of subjects is
possible and number of
subjects catalogues can be
brought out.
Compilation assistance
It is not very convenient for
compiling subjects
bibliographies.
It is very convenient for
preparing subject
bibliographies.
It is printing cannot be
done in parts. The whole
from A to Z only is possible.

6. Dictionary catalogue Classified catalogue
This is useful for small and
medium libraries, public
libraries and general
libraries.
This is useful for research
libraries, very big libraries
and specialized libraries.
Maintenance
The maintenance of
subject entries in alphabetical
part is easier because
replacing of old subject terms
by new ones is easier as
compared with dictionary
catalogue.
Replacing of old subject
terms by new subject terms
is time consuming process.
conclusion