Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed. Adopted internationally as the basis
of standardized bibliographic description of all types of materials.
abstract
A brief summary of the points in an article.
A source that compiles, by subject, author or title articles in a selected
group of periodicals and includes a summary of each article.
access
In computer-based information retrieval, the method by which a computer
refers to records in a file, dependent upon their arrangement.
In archives, the general ability to make use of the records of a
government, government agency, or other corporate body. (ALA Glossary)
access points
Text and/or numeric terms used to search bibliographic records.
acquisitions
Materials which are purchased for library use. Activities related to
obtaining library materials by purchase, exchange, or gift, including pre-order
bibliographic searching, ordering and receiving materials, processing invoices,
and the maintenance of the necessary records related to acquisitions.(ALA
Glossary)
AISS
Administrative Information Systems and Services. Provides computing support for the Library's Online
Catalog.
almanac
A compendium of useful data and statistics relating to countries,
personalities, events, and subjects.
analytic
A bibliographic record for a part of a publication, such as a part of a book,
or an individual volume of a multi-volume work or monographic
series, where each volume has its own unique title.
annotated
bibliography
A list of works with descriptions and a brief summary or critical statement
about each.
annotation
A note accompanying an entry in a bibliography , reading list, or catalog
intended to describe, explain, or evaluate the publication referred to.
annual
A serial publication, such as a report, yearbook or directory, issued once a
year.
anthology
A collection of extracts from the works of various authors, usually in the
same genre or about the same subject. (Example: Norton Anthology of English
Literature). Sometimes a collection from the works of an individual author.
appendix
Section of the book containing supplementary materials such as tables or
maps.
archives
Public records or historical documents, or the place where such records and
documents are kept.
argumentative
ARM
Automated Records Maintenance. The unit responsible for updating and
correcting online catalog records for the Library.
arrangement
The order in which information is presented in a book. Determining
arrangement contributes to the effective use of that work.
article
A contribution written for publication in a journal, magazine or
newspaper.
article database
atlas
A volume of maps, plates, engravings, tables, etc.
audience
audiovisual
Information in a non-print format. Includes films, slides, audiotapes,
videocassettes, records, software. Also referred to as media.
author
Includes compilers, editors, and composers in addition to the main personal
and corporate authors who are responsible for a work.
authority file
The computerized list of subject, series, and name headings used in the
Online Catalog.
The 14-digit number appearing beneath the barcode found on the back on a
book. Barcode numbers are used to charge, discharge, and renew books on the
online computer system.
bibliographic citations
The information which identifies a book or article. Information for a book
usually includes the author, title, publisher, and date. The citation for an
article includes the author, title, of the article, title of the periodical,
volume, pages, and date.
bibliographic database
A database which indexes and contains references to the original sources of
information. It contains information about the documents in it, rather than the
documents themselves.
bibliography
A list of citations or references to books or periodical articles on a
particular topic. Bibliographies can appear at the end of a book, journal or
encyclopedia article, or in a separate publication.
bindery
Books that need repair and loose issues of journals that are combined or
bound into a single volume are sent out of the library system to a company which
binds them. These items are not available to users.
bio-bibliography
A list of works by various authors (or, occasionally, one author) which
includes brief biographical data.
biography
A book about a person written by some other person.
blurb
Advertisement found on the book jacket designed to promote the sale of the
book.
book review
An evaluation or discussion of a new book by a critic or journalist.
bookstacks
Often called the Stacks, this multi-story section of the main Library
contains approximately 65% of the Library's collection.
Boolean logic
Referring to logical or algebraic operations, formulated by George Boole,
involving variables with two values, such as Value 1 and Value 2; Value 1 or Value 2; and Value 1 but not Value 2.(ALA Glossary)
bound volume
Formed when issues of a periodical title are gathered to form a hardback
volume.
A combination of numbers and letters that provide a unique description of
each item in a library collection. Items are arranged on the book shelves by
call number, so the call number is the "address" of materials on the shelf.
card catalog
A card file, arranged by author, title, and subject, listing all items owned
by a library.
carrel
A study area for one person.
CCSO
CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory)
An information technology which is used to store large databases and provides
access to them via computer. These discs look like the compact discs you'd see
in a music store. Instead of storing music, they store text. The Library offers
access to many CD-ROM databases.
check out or charge
To borrow books or periodicals from the library for a certain period of
time.
CIC
CIC is an acronym for the Committee on Institutional Cooperation, which is the academic consortium of the Big Ten universities and the University
of Chicago.
Circle
circulate
To allow materials to be charged out.
circulation desk
Location in each library where you check out, return or renew items, ask
about missing items, or inquire about fines.
citation
A citation is a reference or footnote to an item (such as a book or
periodical article); a citation contains the author, title, date of publication
and any other information needed to locate the item.
citation index
An index consisting essentially of a list of works which have been cited in
other, later works, and a list of works from which the citations have been
collected. Used to identify subsequently published works that are related by
subject to the cited work.
citation tracing
class number
Top part of a call number which stands for the subject matter of the
book.
classification scheme
Classification systems which use numbers and/or letters, to represent the
subject content of materials. See for more information.
commands
Symbols and/or terms used to retrieve computer stored information.
connectors
Words that indicate the relationship between search terms. Also referred to
as Boolean Operators. Common Connectors are: AND, OR, NOT
contemporary materials
Information produced during the time an event occurs.
continuation
A serial publication issued less than 3 times a year, i.e. not often enough
to be called a "periodical". Usually referred to as a "contin."
controlled
vocabulary
The standardization of words which may be used to search an index, abstract
or information database. There is usually a published listing or thesaurus of
preferred terms identifying the system's vocabulary. See also Thesaurus (Example: Library of Congress Subject Headings).
copy card
A small plastic card that can be purchased and used in library photocopiers
and laser printers on campus. (However at this time they do NOT work in
Microfiche/film reader/printers). Copies made using the card can be less
expensive than using cards.
corporate
entry
A corporate body (company, institution, government agency, etc.) which is
listed in a cataloging record as a heading for a publication (e.g., because the
publication has no personal author).
copyright
The legal right to control the production, use, and sale of copies of a
literary, musical, or artistic work.
course
reserves
Materials that instructors set aside for the students in a class to read.
These items may be borrowed for a short period and have very high fines.
cross
reference
Word or heading that directs you from one part of a book, catalog, or index
to another part.
cumulation
An index which is formed as a result of the incorporation of successive parts
of elements. All the material is arranged in one alphabet.
current
periodicals
The latest or most recent issues of journals and magazines that the library
receives.
A structured set of information, stored in a book, disk, computer, etc.
departmental libraries
Subject libraries located in either the Main Library or in other buildings on
campus, that provide materials and services in a specialized area.
depository
A library which receives the publications of a government or official body.
descriptor
A simple word or phrase used as a subject
Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme
A method developed in the nineteenth century by Melville Dewey to classify
and shelve items by using numbers to represent subject content. It is a highly
structured arrangement of all areas of knowledge into numbers ranging from 000
to 999.
dial access
Using a modem and telephone lines to connect to an electronic database from a
computer outside a network. The Library provides remote access to the Online
Catalog via modems. Printed instructions are available at all public service
desks.
dictionary
Source that provides word definition and correct grammatical usage.
Dictionaries may be either general or subject specific.
directory
A list of persons or organizations, systematically arranged, giving address,
affiliations, etc., for individuals, and address, officers, functions, and
similar data for organizations.
discipline
dissertation
A thesis or treatise prepared as a condition for the award of a degree or
diploma.
downloading
Refers to the transfer of search results into a file on a floppy disc or hard
drive.
DNS
DRA (Data Research Associates)
Public access catalog software with several integrated systems chosen by the
state to be the new platform for the online catalog.
due date
The date by which borrowed books and materials should be returned. To extend
the loan period for materials, the item should be renewed before the due date so
that fines are not incurred.
General information source that provides articles on various branches of
knowledge. Encyclopedias may be general or subject specific.
endnotes
Notes (or statement explaining the text or indicating the basis for an
assertion or the source of material quoted) that appear at the end of a
work.(ALA Glossary)
entry
An item or fact that has been "entered" (placed on a list or into a catalog
or index or database). See also citation.
essay
A literary composition in which the author analyzes or interprets a subject,
often from a personal point of view.
The amount of money which is owed by the borrower if materials are not
returned on time
FirstSearch
OCLC's end-user online reference menu accessing several databases, which are
determined by each participating library.
focus
folio
An oversized book, too large for normal shelving. Folio call numbers begin
with an F., for example F. 912 R15C (The Commercial Atlas and Marketing
Guide). Folios are generally housed in special cases in the various
libraries. For folio locations in the Main Stacks, see the Circulation Desk's
web page or ask at the Circulation Desk in the Main
Library.
footnotes
Notes (or a statement explaining the text or indicating the basis for an
assertion or the source of material quoted) that appear at the foot of a page of
text. (ALA Glossary)
format
The physical form in which information appears.
fulltext
Some of the article databases available from the UNAAB library offer full text
electronic access to a wide range of articles. Full text means that only text is
available, so any graphics or pictures associated with the article will be
absent.
A geographical dictionary, usually includes longitude and latitude of a given
place, population, size, etc.
gopher
Computer software developed at the University of Minnesota that allows
computers to find information on other computers. Generally obsolete, it has
been replaced by the advent of the web browser.
government
documents
Sources printed by or for government agencies. The Library has hundreds and
thousands of state, national and international documents, most of which are
serviced by the Documents Library (room 200D Library). See also depository.
General information source providing quick reference on a given subject.
Handbooks may be general or subject specific.
HECA (Higher Education Cooperative Act)
The legislation which allowed the original 18 schools to participate in LCS,
thus starting the statewide online catalog
hits
Refers to items retrieved from a database matching criteria you set. For
example, if you do a Keyword
Title search in the online catalog for "linguistics" and retrieve 2798
items, that can also be called 2798 'hits.'
IBIS (Illinois Bibliographic Information
Services)
A set of electronic indexes in a variety of subject areas, available at
library terminals, from campus networked terminals, and from home computers
using a modem.
Your University ID, or "i-card", also
serves as your library card.
ILCSO (Illinois Library Computer System
Organization)
The statewide network for the online catalog.
ILLINET
Network of Illinois libraries that uses OCLC to catalog their
materials.
ILLINET Online
The statewide online catalog used by over 40 libraries in Illinois. The
Online Catalog is a subset of ILLINET Online.
imprint
The name of the publisher, distributor, manufacturer, etc., and the place and
date of publication, distribution, manufacture, etc., of a bibliographic
item.
incunabula
A book printed before 1501.
index
Points to where information can be found.
List at the end of books, encyclopedias, etc. that indicates by author,
title and/or subject the location of information within the book or
encyclopedia.
Tool that arranges (by author, title, or subject) citations to articles in
a selected group of periodicals. See also article
database and bibliographic
database.
interlibrary loan (ILL)
Exchange of books or periodical articles between libraries for a brief
period. A service you can use to borrow library materials not owned by the
University of Illinois from other libraries.
Internet
The global network of computers linked together, accessible mainly via the
World Wide Web. Originally started by government and international scientists to
facilitate communication, it is now used by the public at large.
invisible
college
Researchers, scholars, or experts who have established communication links
that are independent of the literature in the fields in which they work. People
who are on the frontiers of research, regardless of the field, tend to
communicate directly with one another about their work.
IP stands for "Internet Protocol". An IP Address is a four part number used
to uniquely identify a particular computer on a network using the TCP/IP
(Internet) Protocol. For example, 130.126.33.246 could be an IP
address.
A four-part, ten-character code given a book (a non-serial literary
publication) before publication as a means of identifying it concisely,
uniquely, and unambiguously. The four parts of the ISBN are: group identifier
(e.g., national, geographic, language or other convenient group), publisher
identifier, title identifier, and check digit. (ALA Glossary)
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)
The international numerical code that identifies concisely, uniquely, and
unambiguously a serial publication....(ALA Glossary)
Issue
A single uniquely numbered or dated part of a periodical or newspaper (ALA
Glossary)
A type of periodical which contains signed scholarly articles. Journals are
usually published by academic or association presses and include
bibliographies.
Your University ID, the "i-card",
also serves as your library card.
Library of Congress Classification Scheme
Library of Congress Subject Headings
List of accepted subject headings used in the Library's catalogs. Copies of
LCSH are usually located near the catalogs. An online version is also
available.
limitations
Considers what a work does not cover. For example, a bibliography might not
cover literature published after 1970.
A type of periodical containing popular articles which are usually shorter or
less authoritative than journal articles on the same subject.
magazine
collection
A set of microfilm cartridges providing full text coverage of over 300
popular magazines from 1980 to the present. Located in the Undergraduate
Library.
Main Library
Building that houses the main Card Catalog.
manual
A book of rules or guidelines; a handbook.
manuscript
A handwritten or typed composition, rather than printed. Includes groups of
personal papers which have some unifying characteristic and individual documents
which have some special importance.
MARC (Machine-readable Cataloging)
An international standard format for the arrangement of cataloging
information so that it can be stored and retrieved using computer tapes.
media
Films, tapes, and other audio-visual materials that require the use of
special listening or viewing equipment.
media center
The Media Center, located on the upper level of the Undergraduate Library,
offers materials in non-print formats from slides to video-discs to audiotapes.
Viewing facilities provided all hours the library is open.
microcard
A trade name for a 3 x 5 inch sheet of opaque material bearing one or more
microimages.
microcomputer
lab
Open access computing workstations provides word processing, spread sheet,
database management, courseware, Internet access, software and service.
microfiche
A format; photographically reduced images reproduced on a small 4 x 6 sheets
of film. Often used to provide backup for periodicals with missing pages.
microfilm
A format; photographically reduced images of printed pages on 35mm film. This
format also provides backup for periodicals with missing pages. Older issues of
newspapers are often microfilmed because newsprint deteriorates so rapidly.
microform
Formats for storing photographically reduced images onto plastic film.
Microfiche and microfilm are two types of microforms. A microform reader/printer
is required to read or copy microforms.
monograph
A book. A separate treatise on a single subject or class of subjects, or on
one person, usually detailed in treatment but not extensive in scope and often
containing bibliographies.
monographic series
A monographic series is a set of books that have a number of volumes with a
definite end. An encyclopedia is a good example.
monographic set
so called because unlike a periodical, the monographic set has a finite
number of volumes. Example would be an encyclopedia.
Your Network ID (or NetID) is a name used to identify you on the campus
network. It is assigned to you when you first enter the University, and it
remains associated with you throughout your time here. Due to the nature of the
various campus services which rely on the NetID, it must be created for you, and
may not be altered, except in the case of a legal name change. Your NetID
password is a combination of 6 to 8 letters, numbers, and other characters that
is used to confirm your identity when accessing the network and some services on
the network. Your Network ID and password are used to access the network.
Your E-mail/Web Account logon will be the same as your Network ID. Your
E-mail/Web Account password will initially be the same as your Network ID
password, but it is stored in a different location. When you change one, you
must also change the other if you wish for them to be identical.
newsletter
A serial consisting of one or two printed sheets containing news or
information of interest chiefly to a special group (ALA Glossary, p. 153)
newspaper
A serial issued at stated, frequent intervals (.i.e., daily, weekly, or
semi-weekly), containing news, opinions, advertisements, and other items of
current, often local, interest.
NOCIR
Non-circulating - the loan period for items which do not circulate outside a
library, such as reference works. However, items with this circulation code may
still be used within a library.
A bibliographic network based on an online database of approximately 28
million cataloging records from its 5500 members. It now serves more than 18,000 libraries in 52 countries.
The OCLC database is used for cataloging, for reference work, and for
interlibrary loan. It is the world's largest and most comprehensive database of
bibliographic information. URL:
online catalog
The University of Agriculture Abeokuta Library's computerized list of materials held.
online database
Computer databases. Bibliographic databases provide access by author, title,
and subject to a group of periodicals, books, or proceedings. Numeric databases
provide access to statistical information.
OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog)
A computerized catalog of books and other items in the library.
operators
Words such as AND, OR, and NOT that are used to combine search terms to
broaden or narrow the results of a search. Combining terms using
operators
overdue
Material which is not returned to the library by its due date is considered
overdue.
oversize
Books that are too large for normal shelves; usually designated with a Q
(quarto) or F (folio) before the call number; stored in a special location.
Materials published at regular intervals (at least 3 times a year) and
intended to be continued indefinitely. Examples of periodicals include
magazines, journals, and newsletters.
Personal identification number that allows access to personal borrowing
information in the library's catalog. Default setting is the last four
digits of a person's social security number. Individuals are strongly
encouraged to change that number after first use.
primary sources
Fundamental, authoritative documents relating to a subject, used in the
preparation of a later work, e.g., original record, contemporary documents, etc.
Synonymous with original sources and source material.
publication
A book, periodical, musical score, etc. that has been "brought before the
public", in other words, a work that has been printed and distributed.
a request by a library to a borrower for the return of a borrowed item
before the due date.
To request a borrower to return a borrowed item before the due date.
(ALA Glossary, p. 186)
A patron may request a recall of an item from a staff member.
record
A single document in a database. In an electronic index, a record consists of
a citation (with or without an abstract) for a single periodical article.
refereed
Said of a periodical or other serial when manuscripts are evaluated by at
least one subject specialist in addition to the editor before being accepted for
publication. (ALA Glossary, p. 188)
reference
reference desk
Location in each library where you can get help in using the library and
receive answers to your questions.
reference
librarians
Reference Librarians are specialist in the field of information retrieval.
Generally they have a Masters degree in library and information science, and
many have other graduate degrees as well. They are available at reference desks
to help you find the information you are looking for.
reference
materials
A selection of library materials used by reference librarians and information
assistants to help people find information or do research. Reference collections
contain many sources of information, such as dictionaries, directories,
almanacs, encyclopedias, atlases, and statistical compilations. They may also
have bibliographies, indexes, and abstracts. Reference materials usually do not
leave the library.
renewal
An extension of the loan period for charged library materials. As long as no
one else requests the book, renewals are unlimited. Renewals may be handled in
person at a circulation desk, by phone through the Telephone Center 333-8400, by
mailing a renewal sheet available from the Main Library Circulation Desk, or by
accessing your Borrower Information or "My Account" through the online
catalog.
reprint
A new impression of an edition.
A new edition form a new setting of type, for which an impression of a new
setting of type, for which an impression of a previous edition has been used
as copy.
A separately issued article, chapter, or other portion of a previously
published larger work, usually a reproduction of an original, but sometimes
made from a new setting of type. (ALA Glossary)
request
research
strategy
The methodology or plan followed to find information on a subject or research
topic.
reserve desk
Service point where you can go to find required course readings.
reserve
materials
A selection of specific books, periodical articles and other materials which
faculty have indicated that students must read for a particular course. These
materials are usually kept together in one area of the library and circulate for
a short period of time only. To locate reserve materials, you may need to use a
reserve course file, ask at the circulation or reserve desk, or look up a title
in a reserve reading list. Each library has its own reserve system. Most
reserves for 100 level and 200 level courses are held in the Undergraduate
Library unless the instructor has made other arrangements.
retrospective materials
Sources of information published after an event has occurred.
The content of a work; what information is included and what information is
excluded.
search
To look for information contained in a database by entering words or
numbers in search box.
A process by which library circulation staff look in various library
locations for a missing item and hold it for the person requesting the search
when it is found.
secondary sources
Books or articles that explain or analyze primary
sources. For example, criticism of a literary work.
see reference
A reference from a heading that is not used to one or more headings that are
used. For example, the Library of
Congress Subject Headings does not use the heading Native Americans; there
is a see reference to Indians of North America, the correct heading.
see also reference
A reference from one heading to one or more related headings. For example, in
the Library of
Congress Subject Headings, under the heading Recycling, there is a see
also reference indicating to look at subheadings under subjects, e.g. Waste
Paper--Recycling, Glass Waste--Recycling.
A group of separate bibliographic items related to one another by the fact
that each item bears, in addition to its own title proper, a collective title
applying to the group as a whole. The individual items may or may not be
numbered. (AACR 2) For example, The Death Penalty is a book in the Opposing Viewpoints series.
serial record
The portion of the card catalog which contains bibliographic information
for serial publications cataloged.
set
A group of related items. When conducting a search in a database,
the results of a search form a set. See also Boolean
logic.
shelflist
The part of the Library card
catalog which arranges cards by Dewey Decimal call number rather than by
author or title (i.e., a classified catalog). The shelflist was used formerly to
give location and holdings information, but has been replaced for this purpose
by the online
catalog. Some holdings for serials which ceased publication before 1950 are
ONLY listed in the shelflist. Holdings for these items are gradually being added
to the online catalog.
SILC
Acronym for Statewide Illinois Library Catalog (http://findit.ilsos.net/OCLC/). An online catalog which allows
searching of materials from the thousands of academic, public, school, and
special libraries that make up the twelve regional Library Systems in the State
of Illinois.
stopword
A word which is omitted from the index of a database.
Stopwords are very common words (a, a, the, to, for, etc.) that normally add
little meaning to the subject content of the document being indexed. Since
stopwords are not indexed, they cannot be used as search terms, but will appear
when you print documents from the database.
subheading
A subdivision of a more general subject heading. For example in the Library of
Congress Subject Heading Nigeria--History, History is a
subheading of Nigeria.
stacks
Rows of shelves where library books and journals are stored. The largest
collection of library materials is stored in the Main Stacks, or Bookstacks.
In addition to the Main Stacks, each departmental library has a
stacks location where, in most cases, library materials that can be borrowed are
located. For example, UNAAB History Stacks means the item is located in the
stacks collection of the History Library.
subject heading
A term or phrase used in indexes and library catalogs to describe the content of library materials in a
standardized way. For example, Indians of North America is the subject heading
used in the online
catalog to describe materials about Native Americans. See also thesaurus and keywords.
A list of parts contained within a book or periodical, such as chapter titles
and periodical articles, with references by page number or other location symbol
to the place they begin, and in the sequence in which they appear. (ALA
Glossary)
telephone center
A service which will search, request,
and renew library materials for you--call 333-8400. Also called the Phone
Center.
tertiary sources
Reference works that identify, point out, summarize, abstract or repackage
the information provided in primary and secondary
sources. Examples include dictionaries, encyclopedias, handbooks,
etc. (Oxford Guide to Library Research, 1998)
term paper research counseling
A free one-to-one service offered to students in the Undergraduate Library
each semester. Assistance in choosing topics, finding sources, using the online
catalog, and footnoting is provided.
a document prepared as a condition for the award of a degree or diploma.
For example, a Masters thesis.
truncation
In database searching, the addition of a special symbol (*, #, ?, etc.) to
the root of a word to match any record in a database that begins with the
letters to the left of the symbol. For example in the online
catalog, typing forest? as an Expert
Keyword search would find records containing the words forest, forestry,
forests, forested, etc.
Current, individual issues of a periodical title that are not yet gathered together as a hardback volume.
uniform title
The title used for cataloging purposes when a work has appeared under more
than one title (such as translations into several languages), or when the work
being cataloged is of a collective nature, such as "Complete Works".
United
Nations documents
Publications produced by the United Nations. These documents are housed in
the Government Documents Library and in the Main Stacks.
URL
An acronym for Uniform Resource Locator. It represents a unique location or
"address" of a resource located on the World
Wide Web; similar to a call
number for library materials.
Items that are no longer in the library collection.
World Wide Web
A client-server information system that uses the Internet to access computers
containing millions of hypertext documents.
writers'
workshop
Free one-to-one assistance in all facets of composition provided by tutors.
Located in Room 251 of the Undergraduate Library (333-8796) Services are
available by appointment or on a walk-in basis.
Prepared by the National Information Standards Organization, Z39.50 is an
information retrieval service definition and protocol specification for library
applications. The standard defines how one computer system can co-operate with
other systems for the purpose of searching databases and receiving records.
