ABSTRACT
Library catalogs remain challenging for children to use, especially because children have difficulty with multi-step processes, have less semantic and technical knowledge, and often search differently from adults. Child-friendly catalogs should have clear, simple protocols and visual guides that are standardized yet include flexible options for differentiated manipulation. Materials should be described accurately and in ways that connect meaningfully to children. More fundamentally, cataloging children’s materials needs to be done in light of children as potential users and limitations of the integrated library management system itself. Getting children’s feedback in the process can optimize the results.
