Which statement about a card catalog is least accurate?

• A. Entries are on separate cards arranged in a definite order.
• B. It is a tool for locating items in a library.
• C. It tracks which books are checked out.
• D. It contains full texts of all entries.

Answer: (D)

A card catalog is a finding aid that helps you locate library materials. Each card holds bibliographic details—author, title, publication information—and usually the shelf location or call number. The cards are organized in a definite order, typically by author or title, so you can search and then go to the correct shelf to retrieve the item. This aligns with the idea that it’s a tool for locating items in a library. It does not store the full text of works; rather, it points you to where the item can be found. Tracking whether items are checked out is a function of the circulation system, not the catalog itself. So saying the catalog contains full texts is inaccurate—the catalog provides access points and location information, not the complete content.