Glossary of Library Terms
Library terminology can be confusing because it incorporates many specialized terms and librarianship jargon. Understanding the terms associated with using the library will enhance your ability to effectively use library resources, as well as reduce potential frustration.
The following list includes terms commonly used in all libraries, as well as terms used specifically at Tarleton libraries. Links to more extensive glossaries are provide at the end of the list.
A-G
A-G
- Abstract: A brief summary of an article, report, document, book, and so on that includes the author’s main points and/or an overview of the item’s content.
- Article: A composition on a topic, which is usually found in periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers, etc.) and reference works (encyclopedias, biographical dictionaries, etc.).
- Call Number: A unique combination of letters and numbers assigned to an item in a library’s collection. Items are put on shelves in call number order.
- Citation: An entry for a book, a periodical, or other item that contains all the information necessary to identify and locate the work (for example, author’s name, item title, publisher, date, volume, issue number, and page numbers).
- Collection: An accumulation of library materials with common characteristics (for example, audiovisual materials, reference materials, etc.).
- Controlled Vocabulary: Standardized terms used in indexing and searching a specific database. These terms may differ for each database.
- Database: A collection of information stored in electronic format that can be searched online. (See the libraries’ Online Databases page.)
- Descriptor: A term or terms used to designate the subject of a work.
- General Stacks: Area where items that can be checked out are shelved.
H-M
N-R
S-