Are Cataloges Necessary For Beginning Stamp Collectors?

I think a catalog is necessary only because Scott #s are such a standard and are referenced nearly everywhere.

With that said, I use Stampworld as a reference more than I use my Scott Catalogues.

Also, keep in mind that most large libraries have a complete set of Scott Catalogues as part of their reference collection and the previous years edition to circulate. Smaller libraries tend to only have Volume 1.