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Glossary of Library and ICT Terms

Page history last edited by Pam 11 years, 7 months ago
  • abridged – shortened, cut in length
  • abstract – a non-evaluative summary of a work (article, chapter, book, etc.)
  • accuracy – conformity to fact. Important when considering the usefulness of information
  • aggregator - website or application with a website that uses RSS to collect feeds from blogs, news websites or other websites
  • ALA – American Library Association
  • alliteration – poetic device; the first consonant sounds or in words or syllables are repeated.
  • allusion – a reference to a familiar literary or historical person or event, usually used to make an idea more easily understood
  • almanac – annual reference book with lists, tables, and charts relating to many different topics
  • annotation – an explanatory note, usually included in a bibliography, which provides information about the author and/or the content of the work
  • appendix – a collection of various supplementary materials at the end of a book
  • atlas – a book of maps, sometimes with a particular perspective (e.g. an historical atlas)
  • attachment – a computer file linked (“attached”) to an email message
  • author – the person who wrote (or created) somethingauthority – in judging a work, this refers to the qualifications of the producer, author or editor. (e.g., expertise, reputation, education, etc.). See also Reliability
  • autobiography – narrative of a person’s life, a true story; written by the person himself/herself
  • avatar - a virtual character/screen name created to represent a person online or in a virtual environment
  • bias – a prejudice in a general or specific sense
  • bibliography– a list of references that have something in common, usually a subject or author. (Note: in the Meridian district, we use the MLA style for citing sources used in preparing a work. MLA calls for a reference list at the end of a research paper titled “Works Cited.”)
  • Big6 – an information problem-solving process used in K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and corporate and adult training programs. See Big6 Expanded (handout), Big6 website
  • bindery – a company that binds or rebinds books or other printed materials
  • biography – narrative of a person’s life, a true story
  • biographical dictionary – a reference book, arranged alphabetically by last name, with a brief entry about each person
  • blog – a “web log” or a frequent continuous publishing of blog posts typically written by one person; others may comment on the posts; other related information and media elements might also be included; wikipedia article; Commoncraft video
  • blurb – brief summary of a book, usually found on the back of the book
  • book cover – paper jacket placed on a book ; may have a blurb, a short biographical sketch of the author, quotations form reviews (also, dust cover, book jacket)
  • booktalk – a short talk about a book, usually delivered to convince others to read the book
  • Boolean/Boolean search/Boolean operator – a system of logic that, when applied to searches, links search terms with the “operators” AND, OR, and NOT. Boolean operators broaden or narrow the range of a search. For information on using Boolean operators in a particular electronic system, consult the Advanced Search or Help menu
    Boolean Machine website
    • AND – the most commonly used operator; narrows a search by retrieving just those records that have the combined sets in common (also: All of theses terms)
    • OR – broadens a search by retrieving records that occur in any of the combined sets; commonly used between synonyms (also: Any of theses terms)
    • NOT – narrows a search by excluding records that include a specific term
  • brainstorm – an activity in which students make notes of anything that comes to mind, no matter how silly it might seem; a great way to begin a project
  • browser – software that provides graphical access to the World Wide Web; e.g., Internet Explorer, FireFox, Netscape, Opera.
  • Caldecott Award – awarded by the American Library Assoc. to the artist of the most distinguished American children’s picture book published in the previous year
  • call number – a number and/or series of letters that helps you locate a book in a library. A call number will be part of the record for the item in the catalog, and will also be on the spine label of the actual item. Typically, the top line of a call number indicates the location in the library (fiction, Easy or a non-fiction number)
  • catalog (as a library term) – an electronic library catalog is a database of detailed records about each library item (author, title and subject , etc.) When used as a verb, it’s the process of creating that record
  • characters (as a literary term) – every person or animal who takes part in the action of a story, poem or play. The most important characters are called major characters. Everyone else is a minor character.
  • CIP – Cataloging In Publication; bibliographic information printed on the verso (back side) of the title page
  • citation – an abbreviated representation of a source; contains enough information for someone to obtain an copy of the source, such as author(s), title, source, publisher, year of publication, page numbers, etc. There are many citation formats for citation consistency; details about citation format can be found in the appropriate style manuals. In the MJSD, we use MLA.
  • cite – to make reference to a work or list your information sources; not to be confused with sight or site
  • chronological order – the order in which things happen
  • collection development – the process of planning and building a useful collection of library materials over a period of years. This includes: analysis, selection, and de-selection (weeding)
  • collective biography – a biographical work about more than one person
  • comparison – to look for both similarities and differences between two or more things
  • concept books – informational picture books, usually focused on a single category such as colors, shapes, size, counting or the alphabet
  • conflict (as a literary term) – a struggle between opposing forces
  • conclusion – a judgment made at the end of careful study and thought. In literature, the end of the story or the resolution of the plot
  • contrast – to look for differences between two or more things
  • controlled vocabulary – an indexing system in which the cataloger selects subject headings from a list of preferred terms. All other synonymous and closely related terms are used to lead the user to the preferred vocabulary, indicated by a brief instruction to "See" or "Use" the preferred term. Catalogues and most literature databases use controlled vocabulary. In MJSD, we use Sears.
  • cookie – a utility program placed on a user’s computer by an Internet site to facilitate sending packet of data back to the Internet site. A cookie can be used to store a password (e.g., a password for an electronic database) or to keep track of what a user has viewed or searched for
  • copyright – a law protecting the intellectual property of individuals, giving them exclusive rights over the distribution and reproduction of that material, and any public performance or display of the material. This legal right extends to any created work: e.g., electronic media, written works, computer programs, music, illustrations, works of art, video and audio recordings, blueprints, dramatic works. See http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/quickguide.htm
  • copyright date – the year in which a book was copyrighted or originally published, usually printed on the verso of the title page.
  • copyright-free – copyright-free materials may copied and used without getting permission
  • Coretta Scott King Award – awarded by the American Library Assoc. to authors and illustrators of African descent whose distinguished books promote an understanding and appreciation of the "American Dream," commemorating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Creative Commons - Creative commons (CC) is a non-profit organization that has described several different CC licenses, which describe various levels of legal use of the work.
  • cross-reference – In cataloging and indexing, a reference from one heading to another. The most common cross-references are "See" references which instruct the reader to look elsewhere for the correct heading, and "See also" references which refer the reader to related headings.
  • currency – being current; up-to-date
  • data field – an interface element in a database that accepts text input
  • database – an electronic collection of information organized for search and retrieval; subscription databases commonly include full text or citations of magazine and journal articles, but also may include encyclopedia articles, books or chapters from books, radio or television transcripts, links to websites
  • dedication (in a book) –a short statement at the beginning of the book thanking an individual or a group of individuals for their help or support
  • Dewey Decimal system – a numerical system of classifying and arranging books in a library by subject, invented by Melvil Dewey
  • dewey order – in call number order, according to the Dewey Decimal system
  • dictionary – a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information given for each word. Typically each entry includes the meaning, pronunciation, and history of the word. Also, a book listing words or other linguistic items in a particular category or subject with specialized information about them (e.g. a math dictionary or a dictionary of literature terms or a foreign language dictionary)
  • discard – to officially withdraw an item from a library collection for subsequent disposal, and to remove from the library catalog all entries which refer to the item. Materials are usually discarded ("weeded') when they become outdated or are damaged beyond repair. See also: weeding.
  • drop-down boxes – in a computer program, the menus that appear, offering options
  • edition – all the copies of a book printing from one type-setting. Subsequent editions may be different.
  • editor – a person responsible for collecting and determining the content of a work
  • electronic resources – databases, Internet pages or other information delivered through the computer
  • encyclopedia – an authoritative collection of articles on many subjects; can be a set of books, a computer website, an electronic database, or a CD-ROM
  • evaluate – to decide the value of something, or make a judgment about it
  • fable – a story demonstrating a useful truth, usually in which animals speak as humans
  • Fair Use Guidelines - a set of guidelines that does not require a teacher or student to obtain written permission to use a work. The guidelines are used in deciding whether the use of a source for educational purposes is permissible or constitutes a copyright infringement. The four basic guidelines are purpose, nature, amount and effect. Generally speaking, up to 10% of a work can be used. See http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/fairuse.htm, http://www.copyright.iupui.edu/checklist.htm and the Copyright page of this wiki.
  • fairy tale – a story about fairies, dragons, witches or other magical creatures
  • fantasy – fiction with otherworldly settings or characters
  • fiction – narrative works whose content is imaginary and is not necessarily based on fact
  • field – in a citation from an index or database, each piece of information is a field. For example, many citations are made up of an author field, a title field, a publisher field and a date field. What fields are called and what is in them can vary from database to database.
  • figurative language – the use of words, phrases, symbols, and ideas in creative ways; used to create meaning or effect
  • flashback (as a literary term) – takes the story back in time to an earlier event or scene; interrupts the normal chorological progression of the story
  • folk tale – the stories of a people, traditionally handed down orally.
  • foreshadow – the use of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later
  • format – the material form or the layout of a work
  • full-text (in a database) - in which the data consists of the entire text of one or more works. A full-text journal database contains, in addition to citations, the complete text of a significant proportion of the articles indexed.
  • gazetteer – a geographical dictionary
  • genre – a category of literature that shares certain distinctive features (e.g. poetry, drama, westerns, mysteries)
  • glossary – a list of specialized words with definitions, usually at the end of a book
  • graphic organizer – strategy used to organize information graphically such as charts, timelines, chain of events, spider maps, Venn diagrams, or storyboards.
  • Help (in computer programs) – a menu of instructions for various processes
  • historical fiction – narrative works whose contents may use fictional details, events or characters in an historical setting.
  • hold (as a library circulation term) – a person may place a "hold" on a library item. The person to whom it is checked out will not be permitted to renew the item, and the person placing the "hold" will be next in line to check it out after it is returned.
  • holdings – the items owned by a library
  • hypertext – text that contains a link to other electronic documents or websites
  • ICT - Information and Communication Technology
  • illustrator – the person who creates the pictures for a book
  • imagery – use of words and phrases that appeal to the senses.
  • in print – items currently available from a publisher
  • index – a list in the back of some books of the subjects, terms and concepts covered in the book. The list is in alphabetical order and shows page numbers where the items can be found in the book.

 

 

  • information literacy – problem-solving skills and techniques used to identify information needs, select, evaluate and use appropriate resources to address those needs.
  • intellectual freedom – the right of any person to read or express non-libelous views that may be unpopular or offensive to others as established by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
  • intellectual property laws – laws governing the products of human creativity and intellect that have the legal status of personal property
  • intellectual property – a product of the intellect, such as an expressed idea, that has legal status as personal property eligible to be protected by copyright law
  • interlibrary loan – loaning materials from one library to patrons of another library. In our district, these transactions always go through the librarians in order to keep close track of the borrowed items
  • Internet – a world-wide public computer network, initially developed by the U.S. military, that links smaller computer networks and allows users on different computer systems to communicate with one another on a global scale. "Internet" is a proper noun, so it is always capitalized. Do not confuse with "intranet," which is a restricted-access network.
  • intranet – the communication network of computers within an organization, or company, available only to the users within the organization
  • inventory – a check (count) of every item in the library
  • ISBN – International Standard Book Number; a number that identifies each unique edition of a book. The first number indicates the place of publication, the second number the publisher
  • jobber – a library wholesaler
  • journal – a periodical intended for a scholarly or specialist professional audience; published in issues; issues make up volumes. (see also, journal)
  • keyword – a searchable word in a title, subject, body of text of a database or document.
  • keyword search – a technique in online searching where the system retrieves records that contain the entered terms. These types of searches tend to be messier than subject heading searches because they commonly retrieve irrelevant articles and miss relevant records. Truncation and Boolean operators are commonly used with keyword searches.
  • KWL – a teaching technique, developed to help students activate prior knowledge. Students recall what they know about a subject; determine what they want to learn, identify what they learn as they research. <http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/students/learning/lr1kwlh.htm>
  • legends – story of a hero which may have some basis in history, but also includes imaginative material.
  • “library voices” – quiet voices used in a shared space; aka "6 inch voices" or "3 inch voices"
  • LiLI – Libraries Linking Idaho (joint project of the ID State Library and the ID Dept of Education that researches and funds statewide electronic databases)
  • link – a spot on a web page that connects with another page on the Internet. Usually links are underlined or in a different color. Sometimes a button or picture can be a link. The mouse pointer will turn into a hand with one finger pointing up when you roll the mouse over a link. When clicked, the link will take you to another webpage. See also "hypertext"
  • MLA citation format – a style of citing references published by the Modern Language Association of America.
  • magazine – a periodic paper publication, intended for a non-specialist audience
  • MARC record (Machine Readable Catalog record) – Library databases are organized with a MARC record for each library item. Using strict rules about data fields, punctuation, the record is in a form that can be recognized, accepted, and utilized directly by a computer or other data processing device. Individual items are further detailed in a copy record that holds the barcode, call number, price and other specific details. For more information, see http://www.loc.gov/marc/umb/
  • mashup - web-based application that combines data from 2 or more sources
  • menu (computer term) – a list of options
  • metasearch engine - a search engine that searches the databases of other search engines, then compiles the results
  • mood (literary term) – a predominant feeling or emotion in the work
  • mythology – legend or traditional narrative, often based on historical or natural events; reveals human behavior and natural phenomenon through symbolism; pertains to actions of the supernatural beings or gods.
  • Newbery Award – awarded by the American Library Assoc. to the author of the most distinguished American children’s book published in the previous year
  • nonfiction – informational text about a real-life subject
  • non-print resources – information sources in non-text form (e.g., video, audio)
  • nursery rhymes – traditional verses or rhythmic writing for children
  • online – using a computer that is connected to the Internet
  • online catalog – an electronic resource that provides access to materials within a single library's or group of libraries' collections; comparable to a card catalog but far more searchable
  • OPAC – a computerized library catalog that replaces the card catalog and provides for additional search strategies such as keyword search (Online Public Access Catalog)
  • operating system – the software that supports a computers basic functions
  • out of print – items currently not available from a publisher (abbreviated as OP)
  • outline – a plan or summary which lists only the most important points
  • paraphrase – a restatement of a text or passage in other words. A paraphrase makes changes in the style and voice of the original but retains the essential ideas
  • peer-reviewed – a journal for which manuscripts submitted by potential contributors are evaluated by at least one subject specialist in addition to the editor prior to acceptance for publication. Synonymous with refereed
  • periodical – a publication that appears on a continuous and regular schedule. Includes newspapers, newsletters, magazines, serials and journals
  • plagiarism – copying something or using an idea without giving credit to the person who created it; the reproduction or appropriation of someone else’s work without proper attribution; passing off as one’s own the work of someone else
  • plot (as a literary term) – the sequence of events in a story; the main storyline
  • podcast – an audio broadcast on the Internet; typically uses MP3 technology, and can be broadcast from a blog or any Internet site
  • point of view (as a literary term) – who is telling the story; usually first person (from the point of view of a main character in the story), or third person (from the point of view of a narrator)
  • portal – an Internet site that provides access to or links to other websites
  • preface – an introductory statement or essay at the beginning a book, usually written by the author, explaining something about why or how the book was written. When written by someone other than the author, it’s called a foreword. The preface or foreword is distinct from the introduction which deals with the subject of the work
  • primary sources – documents containing firsthand knowledge that has not been interpreted by others; e.g. a diary, a journal, an interview, or an eyewitness account. See also secondary sources.
  • print resources – text-based information
  • process – the series of problem-solving actions involved in creating a product
  • processing (as a library term) – the additional steps of attaching the spine labels, ownership stamps, barcodes and any other library labels (e.g., AR). when purchasing materials, ask about processing costs. MARC records may or may not be included in processing costs
  • product – the end result of an information inquiry process, such as a written report, speech, or electronic presentation
  • pseudonym – a fictitious name; pen name
  • public domain – Works not protected by copyright, or for which the copyright has expired. Works published in 1922 or earlier are in the public domain in the US.
  • publication date – the year in which a book was published, usually printed at the foot, or on the verso, of the title page. In periodicals, the publication date may include the day and month, or just the month or period (spring, summer, fall, or winter), as well as the year in which the periodical was issued
  • publisher – the company that printed a book or created a website
  • quotation – words or passages reproduced or repeated verbatim from a written work or an oral statement. In writing, a quotation must be enclosed in quotation marks or indented in a left and right justified paragraph called a block quote. In a research paper, a quotation should be documented
  • RSS - Really Simple Syndication; an application that allows users to subscribe to receive updated content from online sources; Commoncraft video
  • readability (or "reading level") - a statistical analysis of the difficulty of a text. There are several different readability formulas, and they don’t all agree.
  • realistic fiction – fiction narratives that are true to life
  • reference book – a book that you can use to find information; a book specially written to help with research. Typically, reference books include dictionaries, directories, handbooks, atlases, encyclopedias and topical encyclopedias or dictionaries
  • reliability – in judging a work, this has to do with a publisher consistently producing quality products over a long period of time and using support information that has been proven very accurate in the past. (e.g., Gale Research Company, The H.W. Wilson Company, etc.) See also authority.
  • remainder books – unsold copies of books that are sold in lots to distributors who sell them at reduced costs
  • research – to study a subject or look for an answer to a question; a systematic inquiry of a topic
  • reserve – items whose circulation is restricted; With our software, a person may place a "reserve" on a library item in order to have it available for a future date.
  • review – a critical discussion and evaluation of a literary work, or artistic creation or performance, usually published in a current newspaper or magazine. Librarians should use professional reviews as often as possible as a selection aid. You’ll find these in library publications and online sources such as Follett’s TitleWave.
  • revised edition – a new edition in which the main text of the original edition is changed, corrected, or supplemented to bring it up-to-date.
  • royalty free - material that may be used for profit, without paying royalties; does not necessarily mean that the material itself it free.
  • rubric – a form designed for assessment or evaluation purposes using established criteria see http://teachers.teach-nology.com/web_tools/rubrics/
  • scan – to look across a page quickly , looking for specific information
  • science fiction – stories or narratives based on the impact of real, imagined or potential science phenomenon; usually set in the future or on other planets.
  • search engine (e.g., Google) – a web tool that consists of a searchable database of web sites. Search engines are maintained by computer programs that automatically search for websites, so they tend to contain more sites than directories. Search engines use keywords, not controlled vocabulary subject terms, to access the web pages. see also metasearch
  • search queries – strings of terms such as keyword, subject, title, or author, linked together with the Boolean operators, AND, OR, NOT, to enable the researcher to conduct specific searches for information.
  • search field – a data entry box in a database or web page used to enter a search word or phrase
  • search by keyword – to initiate a search for a word that might appear in any of several data fields; more general than a subject search
  • search by subject – to initiate a search for a controlled vocabulary word that will be in the subject field; more specific than a keyword search
  • search words – the words used to target items on the Internet or in a database
  • secondary sources – documents containing information that has been reported, analyzed, or interpreted by individuals who have used primary sources, or other secondary sources for data. See also primary sources.
  • server – a computer that makes services available on a network. A file server enables others
    to access files, while a web server is the computer system that makes its web pages available
    on the Internet
  • setting – when and where a story takes place
  • shelf list – a list of books in the order that you would find them on the shelf
  • shelf marker – a paper or a stick that a student uses to mark the place a book was on the shelf; the students uses them to make sure they get books back in the right place
  • shelf reading ("read the shelves") - scanning the books on a shelf to make sure they are in the correct order
  • site – a location on the Internet, such as a Web site; not to be confused with "cite" or "sight"
  • skim – to look across a page quickly, getting a general sense of the content
  • source – a person of document from which you get information
  • spine – the “backbone” of a book ; the part of a book that covers the binding
  • spine label – a label on the spine of a book that indicates the call number of the book
  • stacks (as a library term) – the shelves of books in the library
  • storyboard – a visual representation of the sequential presentation of information to be
    included in a media presentation.
  • style (as a literary term) – a distinctive manner of expression
  • style manual – a handbook that provides information about manuscript preparation and citation format.
  • subject – the main topic; what a book or article is about
  • subject heading – a controlled-language term used to describe the topic of a work. Use your Sears manual to find a list of these terms
  • subtitle – the secondary portion of a work's title, usually consisting of an explanatory phrase following a colon or semicolon
  • Super3 – the primary grades version of the Big6. The three steps consist of the beginning, when the child plans the activity; the middle, when the child actually does the activity; and the end, when the child reviews the product. See Big6 website
  • synonym – a word that means the same thing as another word (for instance: giggle and chuckle)
  • syntax –the order in which search terms and logical commands (punctuation) are typed, which determines how they are combined by the computer
  • table of contents – a list of the contents of a book (sections, chapters, stories or articles). The table of contents is in the beginning of some books
  • tag - a keyword assigned to web content by a user; serves as an informal "subject heading"
  • tag cloud - a graphical depiction of hyperlinked tags used on a particular website. Usually, the most commonly assigned tags on the site are in a larger font in the tag cloud.
  • tall tale – humorous story with blatant exaggeration and swaggering heores
  • theme (as a literary term) – the central or dominant idea of a work
  • thesaurus – a reference book of synonyms and antonyms
  • timeline – a chronological record of events
  • title – the name of a book, article, magazine, movie, etc.
  • truncation – use of an asterisk, or other symbol, to take the place of one or more letters in a term in order to search all words that include a root word. (e.g., wom?n for woman or women, farm* for farmer, farming, farms). Symbols and techniques vary, so check the online help for details of each system.
  • unabridged – the work in its entirety, not shortened
  • URL/ Uniform Resource Locator – an Internet address; usually beginning with http:// Typically, you'll find it in the Address bar on the browser.
  • vendor – a company (or the representative) that sells products or services; e.g. Permabound, Follett, Baker & Taylor, Mackin, Ebsco
  • Venn diagram – a method of taking notes that uses overlapping circles as a visual organizing tool; especially good strategy for comparing two ideas
  • verso (in a book) – the back side of the title page
  • vertical file – folder of miscellaneous materials (maps, pamphlets, clippings) arranged by subject; usually stored in a file cabinet
  • web directory – a web tool that organizes other web sites into categories. This categorization is done by humans, so directories usually include fewer sites than search engines, but typically, the information is more specific. They can either be general, such as Yahoo!, or subject-specific, such as HealthWeb. Compare with search engine.
  • website – a page or collection of pages on the Internet, specified by a network address
  • weeding (as a library term) – the removal of unwanted items based on content, patron need use, age or condition. See discard.
  • wiki - a website designed to be a collaborative space for sharing information. e.g., Wikipedia; Wikipedia definition of a wiki; Commoncraft video
  • wildcards – see truncation.
  • Works Cited – the MLA designation of the list of cited references at the end of a research paper. These citations support ideas and statements made within the paper.
  • YA – young adult
  • Young Readers’ Choice Award – awarded by the Pacific Northwest Library Assoc. to the author of a book voted by children to be the best. See YRCA website

 

 

 

 

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