GUIDE TO GLOSSARY OF LIBRARY TERMS
Abstract
Summary of a journal article, conference paper, speech, etc., usually
found in an abstracting journal or database.
Abstracting
journal or database
Periodical (print or electronic) composed of abstracts with citations
to indexed works, e.g., Criminal Justice Abstracts is such a database/periodical.
CD-ROM
(Compact Disc, Read-Only-Memory) An electronic format used to store and
retrieve information; indexes or abstracting databases are often found
on CD-ROM.
Circulation
Desk
The service area where you can check out circulating material, request
reserve materials, register to be a Langsdale user, and update your barcode.
DOCS.
(Documents)
Publications from the U.S. Government shelved on the second floor.
Due
Date
The date circulating material is required to be returned to the library.
Holdings
The books, periodicals, and other materials owned by the library.
ID Card
Plastic card displaying the student's name, picture, and Social Security
Number, to be shown if identification is required. A library number (barcode)
is placed on the back of your ID so that you may use the library's services.
Interlibrary
Loan (ILL)
Method of borrowing material from another library when the item needed
is not owned by your institution's library. Fill out a form in person
or online.
Journal
or Magazine
Both are periodicals. The journal is usually confined to a particular
subject such as economics, and is usually written by scholars. Magazines
are usually written by journalists for the general public.
Microform
Publications with reduced image reproduced on film; microfilm is a roll
of such film, microfiche a single sheet of film. Both forms require the
use of special machines located in the library for reading and reproducing.
Open
Stacks
Library collections open to users have "open stacks" (rows of
shelves where you may get your own material). Libraries that require users
to turn in written requests for materials are said to have "closed
stacks." Langsdale Library has open stacks.
Periodicals
Publications issued regularly, most frequently monthly, weekly or 4 times
a year, in contrast to books published only once. Their coverage may be
confined to a particular subject, e.g., Automotive News, or may cover
varied subjects, e.g., Time.
Reference
Books
Library materials that must be used in the library.
Reference
Desk
The desk staffed by a librarian who provides guidance in the identification
and use of library materials and in the understanding of library policies.
Researchport
The gateway/interface through which off-campus users may access the electronic
databases to which UB subscribes.
Reserves
Material available for limited in-library use for required class reading
assignments. Some are at the Circulation Desk at Langsdale, others online.
Special
Collections
Groups of library materials that are shelved apart from the general collection
because of specialized subject matter (such as steamship history) or value
(such as rare books). Usually only for use in the library.
Union
List
A list of books or periodicals showing which libraries own a particular
title. The Sailor Web site has a periodicals union list for the state
of Maryland. (http://www.lib.md.us)
Validation
Sticker
Small sticker showing the semester and year; affixed to an I.D. card it
proves current enrollment/affiliation.
Catalog
USMAIWeb (or
Catalog USMAI, originally)
The University System of Maryland's online catalog.
Howto_general_Glossary: 10/04 jw