Glossary of Terms

Libraries have a language all their own. Here are some basic terms used throughout libraries and in association with library software.

Accelerated Reader - A popular reading program that assigns point values to books based on difficulty. Students can be assessed on their comprehension to gain points, which are then spent for incentives.

Acquisitions - The process of purchasing new materials for a library and tracking information such as vendor, budget, etc.

Adaptive technology - Tools and spaces used to aid patrons with disabilities.

Archive - A space that is dedicated to the storage of historical documents.

Audio-visual - Materials that incorporate sight and/or sound, such as DVDs or audiobooks.

Authority record - Contains the established form of a name heading (author) or subject heading.

Automated catalog - A complete list of all resources held by a given institution. These often take the place of Card catalogs. See also: Database

Barcode - Books in libraries will have two barcodes: an ISBN that is printed on the jacket itself and a separate barcode that is applied by the library. No two resources will share a barcode, as every item is distinct.

Battle of the Books - A popular, U.S.-based, reading competition in which students read books and gain points to "battle" students from other schools.

BIBFRAME - An XML-based metadata standard initiative that is under development by the Library of Congress.

Bibliographic record - A set of information, formatted according to an established standard, that describes the contents and aspects of a resource.

Bibliometrics - Statistical analyses of books and resources.

Bindery - A service whose primary purpose is binding documents into books.

Boolean - A form of searching which uses logical connectors such as AND, OR, and NOT to narrow the scope of search and yield more precise results.

Bound periodical - A series of journal or magazine articles that have been bound into book form.

Browse - The process of looking through resources to find ones that may be of interest. This may be completed physically, among library stacks, or digitally, using keyword searches on the public catalog.

Browser - A program allowing access to the World Wide Web. Common browsers include Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

Call number - An alphanumeric code applied to a resource so that it can be easily located; the resource's "address" within the library.

Card catalog - Libraries whose collections are not automated typically use a card-based system to index and circulate resources.

Catalog - The total list of resources held within a given library.

Cataloging - The process of adding resources to your catalog by assigning metadata. See also: Copy cataloging

Categories - A group of resources that are separated by resource type. Categories are often indicative of what section a resource may be found in. Common categories include Graphic Novels, DVDs, or Reference.

Centralized database - Multiple locations sharing one database, such as a school district or public library with multiple branches.

Circulation - The process of associating resources to patrons through check outs, renewals, and check ins.

Circulation desk - The station at which staff assist patrons, including checking items in and out.

Classification scheme - The system used to assign call numbers. Examples include Dewey Decimal Classificaiton and Library of Congress Classification.

Cloud - Internet-based storage and access of data.

Codabar - A barcode symbology standard.

Controlled vocabulary - Standardized and organized word arrangements that allows for consistency when applying terminology. In cataloging, this is exemplified by subject headings.

Copy cataloging - A form of cataloging in which pre-existing catalog records are used instead of original cataloging. Copy cataloging saves time and is typically the preferred method of cataloging when possible.

Course reserves - Resources that are held in a separate area, typically behind the circulation desk, that are intended for the use of a certain class.

Curriculum - Resources that are required tools for learning in a given class, such as workbooks or books that are considered required reading.

Dashboard - The home or start screen screen of an application, which typically provides an overview of statistics applicable to you.

Data - A general term for information. Frequently used to describe digital information.

Database - A collection of resources that is stored electronically to facilitate in efficient record storage and retrieval. See also: Automated catalog

Descriptive metadata - Elements of data that provide context for a given resource, making it easier for patrons to locate.

Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) - A classification scheme in which call numbers are generated in accordance to 10 major subjects that are then further subdivided by topic or specialization. Most often used in public and school libraries.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI) - A permanent link that is assigned to an online resource.

Discovery layer - A search tool that pools resources from a library's catalog, as well as the other databases they have access to, such a e-book services and journal databases.

Dublin Core - A general-purpose metadata scheme used to describe resources using a set of 15 distinct elements. Some document-cataloging systems use this metadata standard instead of MARC.

E-book - A digital book.

Edition - A particular version of a published text.

Electronic resource management systems (ERMs) - Manages digital content throughout the lifecycle of that content, including acquisiton, access, renewing, and discarding.

E-resource - Term that encompasses any resource that can be accessed digitally, including e-books, streaming movies, etc.

Fair use - Using a resource in a manner that does not violate copyright laws.

Field - In cataloging, the entry of data into a specific place. Ex: Title field, Call number field

Filtering - The process of narrowing down search results by limiting the criteria.

Full text - The complete version of a document, most often used for digital articles.

Genrefication - A classification scheme in which call numbers are generated based on the genre of the material.

Hold - A resource that has been requested by a patron and then pulled by library staff for pick-up.

Holding - An individual copy of a resource, with its own, copy-specific metadata.

In process - A status indicating that a resource is ordered, but not received.
Integrated Library Management Software (ILMS) Also known as ILS; A system that automates a library's catalog, while also allowing tools such as patron management and circulation.

Interlibrary loan - A service offered by some libraries in which resources that are not available for circulation from a patron's home library may be requested from another library.

Inventory - The process of scanning every resource in a library to account for missing or out-of-place materials.

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) - The number assigned to a book that identifies it as a unique edition or variation of a publication.

Jacket - The protective covering around a book.

Journal - A collection of articles that is published by an academic institution or scholarly society.

Ledger - The tool used to track fines, fees, and payments from patrons.

Loan period - The length of time in which a resource may be checked out before it is due back at the library.

Keyword - Significant word found in the title, summary, or subject headings, that can be used to pull search results when using a public catalog.

Lexile - A framework that puts books in levels that can be used to determine whether a book may match the reader's comprehension level.

Library of Congress Classification (LCC) - A classification scheme in which call numbers are generated in accordance to 21 major subjects that are then further subdivided by topic or specialization. Most often used in academic institutions.

Local address - A field that is used to assign patrons to a location or group. This is most often used by schools to indicate homeroom.

MARC (MAchine Readable Cataloging) - A standardized data format that is commonly used to assign metadata to a given resource. "MARC" is commonly used to refer to the newest standard, which is known as "MARC 21".

Metadata - Data that provides information about other data. Commonly referred to as "data about data".

Migration - The process of moving a large amount of records from one database to another. Most often, this occurs when moving from one ILMS to another.

Non-circulating - Resources that may not be checked out.

Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) - Also known as Public catalog, this is the website that patrons can use to search your catalog. Most often, an OPAC will contain other information about the library, such as loan rules, location, etc.

Patron roles - Determines the patron's relationship to the ILMS, including the permissions they have when accessing the database from the administrative end.

Patron types - Determines the patron's relationship to the library, including what circulation rules are applicable.

Peer-review - An article that is examined by experts in the field to determine whether the studies followed standards in the field.

Periodical - See Journal

Perpetual access - Refers to the right of a library to view and use a resource after their subscription period has ended.

Processing - The physical readying of a resource for the shelves. This often includes labeling, jacketing, etc.

Public catalog - See Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC)

Reading program - A program that is meant to support literacy skills.

Reference - A resource that is primarily used to find precise information on a subject. Common reference items include dictionaries, atlases, or thesauri.

Reference desk - The station at which patrons can get help with their research needs.

Remote access - The ability to view data at one location from a computer in a different location.

Resource - Used interchangeably with terms such as items, books, or materials.

RFID - Tags that use radio-frequency identification to track resources. These are used for loss prevention and inventory.

Serial - A publication that is released in parts, such as a journal.

Shelf list - A report that shows all resources in a catalog, which can be filtered as needed.

Special collections - A group of resources that are held separately from the primary collection due to their rare or specific content, such as papers, manuscripts, or historically significant items.

Spine label - A sticker placed on the spine of a book that relays the call number.

Stacks - Shelves on which books and other physical collections are kept.

Status - The current position of a resource. Common statuses might include Out for Repair, On Display, or Checked Out.

Subject heading - A specific word or phrase that is assigned to a resource during cataloging. These facilitate keyword searching and identify subject matter.

SuDoc Number - A standardized classification scheme used for government published documents.

Topical term - A part of a subject heading that further indicates what a work is about.

z39.50 - A protocol that enables the sharing of records between library databases to facilitate copy cataloging.