PAC, OPAC, WEBOPAC & SOPAC

Term	Full Form	Definition	Example
PAC	Public Access Catalog	A physical catalog of library materials, such as card catalogs or printed lists, requiring physical browsing.	Traditional card catalog system with drawers filled with index cards.
OPAC	Online Public Access Catalog	A digital version of the library catalog accessible through computers within the library, offering basic search functionalities.	Computer terminals in libraries that allow users to search the digital catalog database.
WEBOPAC	Web-based Online Public Access Catalog	An online version of the library catalog accessible over the internet, offering enhanced search capabilities and a user-friendly interface.	A library’s catalog accessible through the library’s website, allowing users to search for books, reserve them, and check their account details remotely.
SOPAC	Social Online Public Access Catalog	An online catalog that incorporates social media features, allowing user interaction like tagging, reviewing, rating, and community discussions, leveraging Web 2.0 technologies.	Platforms like LibraryThing or BiblioCommons, where users can review books, create profiles, and interact with other users.