Public Catalogue -Circulation Area in library building in library management
Public catalogue is the key to the document collection in a library and frequently used by the readers as well as the library staff. This should also be placed near the entrance and not far from the counter. Sufficient space should be left near the catalogue cabinets to make consultation easier. A few high stools may be placed near the catalogue cabinet, to make lengthy consultation comfortable. Provision is usually made in the cabinet for small draw out writing board where the readers can note down the contents of the catalogue cards. Catalogues grow with the book stock, hence sufficient space should be provided for future expansion. An economy catalogue cabinet require about 1.75 sq. mtr. (20 sq. ft.) area. In recent years many libraries have automated their services and functions and hence they have been able to provide Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAL) to their customers both within the library as well as on campus through Local Area Network (LAN).
In addition to above, this area has to accommodatge new arrivals display, stacking of reserved books, circulation staff, personal property counter, computer werkstation, etc.