Reviews

The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures by Library of Congress

alaspooriorek's review against another edition

3.0

I was really stoked for this book, but there wasn't much here I didn't already know. Granted, I am a librarian and to become such, I have to know these things, but I thought it was going to go more into the actual library of congress rather than rehash papyrus and organizational ledgers. An okay read, but not awesome.

howardgo's review

informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

4.0

Originally published at myreadinglife.com.

After reading The Library, I was hoping for something a little more interesting in the realm of the history of books. I found this gem in my read pile and dug right in. The Card Catalog: Books, Cards, and Literary Treasures by The Library of Congress is the type of narrative history I was looking for.

Granted, it is more a history of how books are found in a library than a history of the library itself. It also has the flaw of being mostly about Europe and the United States, though due to the fact that the author is listed as The Library of Congress that is hardly surprising. Most importantly, the prose is both informative and engaging.

The added bonus in this book is all the photos. Yes, of cards from card catalogs but also of books, libraries, and individuals that are the core of the story. This book really brought back memories of time spent with a card catalog drawer pulled out, looking for just the right book. A fascinating look at book history.

libraryrobin's review against another edition

4.0

Librarians and bibliophiles will surely enjoy this sentimental look back at the card catalog which includes photos of many fascinating cards along with the material they represent.

redhairedashreads's review against another edition

5.0

This was a fascinating book. It discusses the development of the Library of Congress, LOC book purchases, early catalog systems, and the rise and fall of the card catalog. Paired with all of this is some really fascinating photographs of items, with their cards, at LOC.

This book really made my archivist heart happy. It was everything I was looking for and I didn't even know it. I think I am going to buy a physical copy of this book because I really enjoyed it and would love to see a better version of the photographs within. One day I will make a trip to LOC and see the amazing things it houses.

I totally recommend this book to anyone who loves libraries and books!

mylhibug's review against another edition

informative medium-paced

4.25

meggers's review against another edition

challenging informative slow-paced

5.0

mimi503's review against another edition

5.0

Fascinating to learn the history of the library card catalog. Now I want to visit the Library of Congress!

p0tat0's review against another edition

4.0

This book succeeded in making me very nostalgic for flipping through the card catalog as a kid. It was a treat getting to see so many cards that had been lovingly created over the years for the LoC collection.

tpanik's review against another edition

3.0

A delightful way to discover the library origins of your favorite American literature.

atticusmammy's review against another edition

4.0

I miss the card catalog. I remember the pile of slips of paper lying on top so you could write down the call letters and then head into the shelves to search it out. I remember just flipping through the cards looking for something that sounded good and the joy that came when you ran across the "perfect" book that you didn't know existed 30 seconds before. This book brought back memories and taught me some things I never knew.