Geoffrey Robinson forwarded a query:
> When, and by whom, was the standard 3" * 5" (75mm * 125mm) card
> introduced ? "
I understood that the standardisation of cards for library catalogues
was one of the many activities of the industrious Melvil Dewey. He set
up the Library Bureau in 1876 to provide uniform library furniture and
equipment, so presumably card catalogues were in use prior to Otlet's
work in 1892.
Dewey was also a supporter of the metric system and what is so often
loosely referred to as a 3" by 5" card was originally specified in
metric as 75 mm by 125 mm, which is slightly smaller. Libraries that
ordered 3" by 5" cards might find them too big for their catalogue
drawers.
You might get a fuller response from another JISCmail list, lis-libhist.
Owen
--
Owen Massey * [log in to unmask] * 020 7869 6550
Research Resources in Medical History Cataloguer
The Royal College of Surgeons of England
35-43 Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, WC2A 3PE
This e-mail and any attached files are confidential and are intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed.
This communication represents the originators personal views and
opinions, which do not necessarily reflect those of The Royal College of
Surgeons of England.
If you are not the intended recipient, or the person responsible for
delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, be advised that you
have received this e-mail in error,
and that any use, dissemination, forwarding, printing or copying of this
e-mail is strictly prohibited.
If you have received this transmission in error, please notify the
sender immediately and then delete this e-mail.
http://www.rcseng.ac.uk
Registered Charity Number: 212808
|