Libraries use a number of special terms which can be confusing to library users. Below is a list of these terms with definitions.
A non-evaluative summary of a book, journal article, or other information source. Often the term refers to an index that includes abstracts for materials indexed.
A list of information sources. Bibliographies usually include citations to book, journals, or other publications.
A single hard-bound volume comprised of several consecutive issues of a magazine or journal. For many titles a single bound volume contains an entire year of the title, although this can vary depending on the size and frequency of the publication.
The number assigned to library materials for the purposes of shelving and location. There are three major classification systems: DDC, LCSH, and the SUDOC numbering system (Government Documents).
To borrow library materials for a specified period of time. Materials may be checked out at the circulation desks of each library.
The counter (desk) in each library where users can borrow materials from the library by checking items out.
The basic information needed to find specific materials. For books this information usually included the author, title, place of publication, publisher, and date. For articles, the citation usually includes author, title, name of journal, date, volume, and pages. A collection of citations is called a bibliography.
Directions in an index or other finding aid that direct you to look under a different or related term. These are also called see or see also references.
A body of information in machine readable form which is searched on a computer terminal.
Classification scheme used by libraries based on the assigning of particular decimal numbers to particular subjects. For example, all science books are in the 500 number. The original scheme was devised by a librarian named Melville Dewey. It is used in over 135 countries. 95% of all school and public libraries use the DDC, and 25% of all college libraries use it.
The date by which borrowed materials must be returned to the library.
A citation or record in an index or catalog.
An oversized volume shelved in a special location for larger books.
A systematically arranged list giving enough information for each item to be found. Periodical indexes list articles in magazines, journals, and newspapers. An index of a book lists names and subjects with the page numbers where they can be found in the book.
A periodical which is usually considered more scholarly than a popular magazine. Journal articles usually contain footnotes and/or bibliographic references.
A service which allows users to obtain materials not owned by the CCA or APL Libraries.
Library of Congress Classification
The system made up of letters and numbers which divides knowledge into subject areas. The system was devised by the Library of Congress. It is the dominant classification system used by college libraries.
A periodical publication usually considered to be of more general or popular interest than a journal.
A sheet of film on which a printed book, journal, or other publication has been reduced in size.
A roll of film on which a book, journal, newspaper, or other publication has been reduced in size.
Printed books, journals, or newspapers which have been reduced in size so that they must be read with special equipment. Microforms include microfiche, microfilm, and microcards.
A computerized system for finding out what materials are owned by the library, the call number, location, and whether or not the item is checked out.
A magazine, journal, newspaper, or annual publication which is published at regular intervals.
The procedure by which the library can request that materials currently checked out be returned to the library so that another person who has requested the materials can use them.
The location in each library (or in some departments) which assists the library user in locating specific information. Reference librarians are familiar with research techniques and will guide you to the appropriate sources for the information needed. They can also teach you how to use the libraries' resources.
A collection of library materials useful for supplying authoritative information or for identifying information sources. These materials are kept together near the Reference Desk and can not be removed from the library.
To extend the amount of time that materials can be borrowed. Renewals are done at the Circulation Desk or online.
A collection of library materials that can only be checked out for a short period of time. Circulation is limited to assure access to all students who might need the materials.
Directions in an index or other finding aid that direct you to look under a different or related term. These are also called cross references.
A publication issued in successive parts usually at regular intervals. Examples of serials include periodicals such as journals, magazines, newspapers, and annuals.
The book shelves where most books are located.
A bibliography prepared by a Library Subject Specialists which identifies research tools (indexes, abstracts, handbooks, etc.) related to a specific subject.
A term or phrase which describes the subject content of a work. Most academic libraries use the Library of Congress Subject Headings.
While volume can be used to describe any group of pages bound together, it usually refers to a full set of issues which make up one year's worth of a single serial. Some periodicals publish more than one volume per year, while other serials may issue a single bound volume at irregular intervals.