Difference between Dictionary Catalogue and Classified Catalogue

Comparative study of classified library catalogue and dictionary library catalogue has been presented below in tabular form in order to indicate merits and demerits of the two inner forms of library catalogue.

Dictionary Library Catalogue	Classified Library Catalogue
1. It follows alphabetical order in arranging entries.	1. It follows classified order in arranging entries (in main or classified part).
2. It has only one part in which entries for author title, subject and cross reference entries are arranged in one alphabetical sequence according to the words or letters forming the headings.	2. It has two parts : Classified and alphabetical. Alphabetical part is known as index part. Classified part contains number entries and alphabetical part word entries.
3. It is easy to consult by a common reader who can consult by a common reader. Any reader who can consult a dictionary can consult it with equal ease.	3. It is comparatively difficult to consult it because readers may not be aware of the ordinal value of symbols etc. forming notation or class number of subjects.
4. Since it follows alphabetical arrangement, readers can get information about their book of interest by looking into the catalogue once only. Hence, search takes reader’s lesser time.	4. Since it follows classified arrangement under class number, readers are normally required to first consult the alphabetical part or index part and then the classified part. Hence search takes more time. This creates psychological and physical inconvenience.
5. Since it follows alphabetical arrangement entries for related subjects are normally placed far from each other due to accident of alphabets. This inconvenience may however be removed by providing sufficient number of cross reference entries.	5. Since it follows classified arrangement under number, entries for related subjects are placed together. This curtails preparation of large number of cross reference entries.
6. As a consequence of alphabetical arrangement, filiatory sequence among subjects cannot be maintained is arranging entries.	6. It ensures filatory arrangement of entries due to number (classified) arrangement.
7. Liberal and excessive provision for cross reference entries for liking related subjects etc. makes the catalogue bulky.	7. In it number of cross reference entries are restricted and thus the size and bulk of the catalogue remains under control.
8. It does not depend for its success on the scheme of classification used in the library.	8. Its success depends on the scheme of classification used in the library. Any defect in the scheme of classification can make the arrangement of entries defective.
9. It does not reflect the real picture of the library in respect of collection in subject fields, because arrangement of books on shelves is a;ways based on number whereas arrangement of entries in catalogue is always based on alphabets.	9. It reflects the real picture of the library in respect of collection in various subject fields because arrangement of books on shelves and of entries in the catalogue are both based on numbers.
10. It satisfies direct approach to specific subjects because subject entries are arranged under specific subjects.	10. It can not satisfy direct approach to specific subject entries are arranged under their broader subject.
11.It does not show the weakness or strength of the collection of a library in respect of a particular subject.	11.It shows the weakness or strength of the collection of a library in respect of a particular subject, thus bringing to the notice of the librarian unintentional and unchecked growth or weakness of the collection on a particular subject.
12.It cannot serve as a bibliography on various subjects or as a book selection tool for smaller libraries.	12. It serves as a bibliography on various subjects or as a book selection tool for smaller libraries.
13. Entries of synonymous words starting with different alphabets will be placed far away from one another which is not desirable.	13.This never happens in classified catalogue.
14.Entries of homonyms (words with same spelling but meaning different things) come together and create confusion.	14. This  never happens in classified catalogue.
Conclusion: This is useful for small and medium size libraries, public libraries, and general libraries.	Conclusion: This is useful for research libraries and very big libraries and specialized libraries.