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From the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection: Catalog Cards

Catalog card
Library of Congress catalog card for Blue Duck Ships Store (HABS ME-170)

HABS

The Library of Congress used catalog cards for many decades to keep track of surveys in the HABS/HAER Collection. (This system was no longer in use when HALS was established in 2000.) Starting in the late 1990s, the library moved to a different cataloging system. At that time, they digitized cards that contained information beyond cataloging data. For some cards, like the Blue Duck Ships Store (HABS ME-170), that information is minimal. Cards typically only include an address, construction date, and building style, plus item counts within the survey. However, some cards contain detailed descriptions and histories. These cards are especially important when the survey doesn't contain a written history. A smaller number of cards include sketches of buildings. Some of these cards are especially beautiful and are featured in the gallery below.

When doing online research in the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection, click "Supplemental" to see the catalog card, if it is available.
Catalog card with measured drawing of garden and building
Catalog card with measured drawing of garden and elevation, Convent of Notre Dame and St. Joseph's German Orphan Asylum (HABS LA-1102)

HABS/E.E. Loving

Illustrated Catalog Cards

These catalog cards for HABS surveys in Louisiana were created by G. B. Drennan, E. E. Loving, and A. A. Wiegand in 1937-40. All but one of these surveys include a full-sized set of measured drawings, but the miniature sketches on each catalog card serve as both a useful preview to the survey and a beautiful touch on the otherwise utilitarian cards. The sketches of the Convent of Notre Dame's front facade and garden (pictured above) are the only drawings in the survey.

Catalog Cards With Histories

These catalog cards for HABS surveys conducted in California were written by Hero E. Rensch in 1961. The surveys include photographs taken by Roger Sturtevant in 1934, but not histories, making the catalog cards a useful resource for researchers.

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Last updated: November 14, 2022