Thursday, December 31, 2009
8:16 PM
Card Catalogs
I hated these things. Before computers, searching for a book that may or may not be in the library required digging through these annoying card catalogs. The process was not difficult, per say but it was tedious and time-consuming. Technology now allows anyone with a library card to search the library's inventory from the comfort and privacy of their own home. No more waiting for your turn at the bibliography files. No more feeling stressed out because three or four other people are impatiently waiting for you to get out of their way while you struggle to both hold your place in the file drawer AND scribble the referential information down on a piece of paper. No more losing your place in the card catalog, dropping your pencil out of your mouth when you say "Crap!", reaching down to retrieve it, and then hitting your head on a drawer that has been opened by the person waiting behind you. No sir. Today, everything you need is available at your fingertips.