Charles A. (Charles Ammi) Cutter
Rules for a Dictionary Catalogue
U. S. Bureau of Education Special Report on Public Libraries—Part II, Third Edition
"Rules for a Dictionary Catalogue" by Charles A. Cutter is a scientific publication written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a foundational text on cataloging principles and practices for libraries, particularly focusing on the systematic creation and organization of dictionary catalogues. The book outlines guidelines for various types of entries, including author, title, and subject entries, aiming to facilitate the information retrieval process for library users. The opening of this treatise introduces the reader to the essential purposes and methods of cataloging within library systems. Cutter emphasizes that different libraries serve various objectives and possess distinct requirements based on their collections and audiences. He begins to categorize dictionary catalogues into types—short, medium, and full-title—while providing a rationale for choosing specific methods of entry. Additionally, he sets the stage for an exploration of the fundamental principles of cataloging, acknowledging that this will inevitably vary by institution and inviting feedback from librarians to refine the proposed rules.