Library

Definitions

ABSTRACT: The summary of an article, book, chapter, or other publication.

AUTOMATED CATALOG: A database, which lists books and other library materials by author, title, call number and subject. It may also be called a P. A. C. (Public Access Catalog.)

BIBLIOGRAPHY: A list of books, articles, or other published writings on a particular subject. Bibliographies may be separate publications or may be found as a list of references at the end of books, chapters, articles, etc.

BROWSE: To look leisurely through a library collection, book, journal, or other publication.

CITATION: The written information about a book or article, which is needed in order to locate the item. A citation can include information such as author, title, volume, issue number, pages and dates. It may also be called "a reference".

CURRENT PERIODICALS: The most recent issues of a magazine or journal.

INFORMATION STAFF: Persons trained to help library users locate information and materials in the Library.

JOURNAL: A scholarly publication, which is issued on a regular basis, usually more than once a year.

MAGAZINE: A publication containing stories, articles, etc., which are written for entertainment or information.

MICROFORMS: Printed items, which have been photographically reduced in size, requiring special equipment for reading. Newspapers, periodicals and college catalogs commonly appear as microforms.

Two kinds of microforms are:

Microfiche: A 4" x 6" film

Microfilm: A roll of film

PERIODICAL: Same as a journal or magazine

PERIODICAL INDEX: A research tool which lists articles in magazines or journals by subject or author. A periodical index may be printed or on CD-ROM.

REFERENCE: Same as a citation.

REFERENCE BOOK: A book designed to be consulted for specific information. Reference books usually cannot be checked out.

RESERVE: Materials, which have been set aside by an instructor for a class or in-library use only. Materials on reserve can be borrowed from the Circulation Desk with the proper identification.