How to Catalogue a Library

In this compact yet thorough guide, the author demystifies the art of library cataloguing, showing why the task is far from a simple copy‑and‑paste job. Drawing on decades of hands‑on experience, he explains the fundamental difference between a mere inventory and a true catalogue, the latter arranged with purpose and order. The book tackles common myths—such as the idea that cataloguing is a clerical chore for assistants or a secretive guild—while advocating a practical, user‑focused approach suitable for modest collections.

Through clear discussion of historic codes—from the British Museum rules to Cutter’s influential system—the author extracts the most useful principles for everyday cataloguers. He balances respect for scholarly tradition with straightforward rules that avoid unnecessary complexity, guiding readers to think like the intelligent user rather than the specialist. Listeners will come away with a solid foundation for building reliable, accessible catalogues in any small library setting.