What effect do online library catalogs have on physical libraries?

Question

A.They allow students to search for titles and confirm they are available before going to the library building.
B.They damage libraries by competing with them and being more accessible for everyday people.
C.They improve library stock by making it easier for library staff to quickly confirm what books they have available.
D.They undermine the ability of libraries to function properly by taking away many of the services they usually offer.

Answer 1

The most accurate answer to the question regarding the effect of online library catalogs on physical libraries is:

A. They allow students to search for titles and confirm they are available before going to the library building.

Online catalogs enhance the user experience by enabling patrons to easily find and locate materials, thereby increasing the efficiency of library use. While there can be arguments for the other options, A is the most direct and positive effect of online catalogs on physical libraries.