Have computers replaced card catalogs?

Not too long ago, I told my blog readers how fax machines are becoming obsolete. I’m ready to add another item to that obsolete list—the library card catalog.

Over the weekend, my 7-year-old son asked me if I could take him to the public library. He wanted to get a couple of new books to read. Of course, being a dad I was thrilled to hear this from my son so we both jumped into the car and headed to the library.

When we arrived, my son walked through the doors and made a beeline to one of the open computers. My initial thought was to ask him why he needed to play on the computers at the library when we have our own computer at home. Then I realized he hadn’t gone to the computer to play.

Instead, very matter-of-factly, my son clicked on the icon to search the library catalog and then typed “spongebob” in the search box. He hit the Enter key on the keyboard and started analyzing the search results.

Within a few seconds he pointed to the screen, then looked at me and said, “Dad, I want this book right here.”

Mr. Noobie^® gets an education

This was an eye opener for me. I had no idea that my son even knew how to use the computer in the library like this. What was even more embarrassing was that I didn’t know how to find the book my son was wanting to get. I actually had to go ask for help. What happened to the Dewey decimal system?

Thankfully, the woman behind the help desk was able to help me find the book and even teach me how to use the information on the computer screen to locate future books.

I always find it ironic when someone gets to teach me about technology.