1. Library Card Catalog:
* Definition: This is a system, usually online, where you can search for books and other materials held by the library.
* Function: It's a database of all the library's resources, organized by title, author, subject, and often by keyword searches.
* Example: When you search for "The Hobbit" in your library's online catalog, you'll see if the library has it, its location, availability, and other details.
2. Readers' Guide:
* Definition: This is a publication, often a magazine or an online resource, that helps readers find articles, essays, and other non-fiction content.
* Function: It's an index that lists articles from a wide range of magazines and journals, usually categorized by subject.
* Example: You might use a Readers' Guide to find articles about climate change in recent magazines.
Key Differences:
* Scope: A library card catalog is about the library's own collection, while a Readers' Guide focuses on articles from various publications.
* Content: The catalog lists books, audiobooks, films, etc., while a Readers' Guide lists magazine and journal articles.
* Organization: The catalog is organized by library resources, while a Readers' Guide is organized by subjects.
In short:
* Use a library card catalog to find books and other materials within the library.
* Use a Readers' Guide to find articles from magazines and journals.