Is the online user catalogue the solution of catalogue problems?

Abstract

The OPAC project of the Düsseldorf Unifersity Library started in 1987 and its gradual introduction is described. The advantages of OPAC as compared with the traditional card catalogue are evaluated. and some methodological problems are discussed like searching by subject or by litle words, browsing in the indexes, combining title words, truncation. The question arises whether can or cannot OPAC solve all catalogue problems of a library. Though a final answer to this question based on experiences cannot be given but the hope of a "yes" is expressed,