Multilingual Glossary: Definitions
CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory): An index or reference work that is stored on a compact disc and accessed through a computer.
Circulation: The circulation desk is the place in the library where you check out, renew, and return library materials. You may also place a hold, or report an item missing from the shelves.
Citation: A reference or footnote to a book, a magazine or journal article, or another source. It contains all the information necessary to identify and locate the work, including author, title, publisher, date, volume, issue number, and pages.
Controlled Vocabulary: Standardized terms used in searching a specific database. These terms differ for each database.
Database: A collection of information stored in an electronic format that can be searched by a computer.
Descriptor: A word that describes the subject of an article or book; used in many computer databases.
Download: 1. To transfer information from a computer to a computer disk; 2. to transfer information from one computer to another computer using a modem.
Gopher: A menu-driven computer system that allows you to access information on the Internet.
Hold: A "hold" guarantees that a book checked out to another person will be saved for you when it is returned. Place a "hold" on any regularly circulating library materials through the Circulation or check-out desk.
Holdings: The materials owned by a library.
Hyperlink: A predefined linkage between associated concepts or chunks of information, such as words or graphics in a document, that lead the reader to the related text when they are selected. (See also hypertext)
Hypermedia: Various forms of information, such as text, graphics, video and voice, used as elements in a hypertext system.
Hypertext: The dynamic linking of associated concepts among and within documents, so that the reader can easily move from one concept to another related concept. An example could be any computerized document that can lead the reader to various related information through hyperlinks.
Icon: A small symbol on a computer screen that represents a computer operation or data file.
Index: 1. A list of names or topics usually found at the end of a publication, which directs you to the pages where the names or topics are discussed. 2. A printed or electronic publication which lists references to periodical articles or books by subject and/or author.
Interlibrary Loan (ILL): A service that allows you to borrow materials from other libraries through your own library.
Internet: The international network of computer networks which provides three basic services: 1. electronic mail, or e-mail, an online message service between computer users 2. remote logon, which is the ability to connect to and use services on computer at other sites 3. file transfer protocol or FTP, which allows users to move files from one computer to another (See also World Wide Web).
Journal: A publication, issued on a regular basis, which contains scholarly research published as articles, papers, research reports, or technical reports. (See also Periodicals)
Keyword: A significant or memorable word or term in the title, abstract or text of an item that indicates its subject.
Local Area Network (LAN): A direct connection of computers by some type of cable.
Magazine: A publication, issued on a regular basis, containing popular articles, written and illustrated in a less technical manner than articles found in a journal.
Media: In libraries, the term is used to describe non-print and print materials such as video and music.
Menu: On computers, menu refers to a list of options available to you.
Microfilm: (See Microforms)
Microforms: A reduced sized photographic reproduction of printed information on reel to reel film(microfilm) or film cards (microfiche) or opaque pages that can be read with a microform reader/printer.
Modem: Computer hardware that connects our computer to other computers through a telephone line and appropriate software. (See Network).
Mouse: A device that allows us to move and click the cursor on a computer screen for different functions.
Multimedia: A system of computer presentations which allows you to see and hear information through access to videotapes, and videodiscs.
Network: A communication system made up of computers which are connected. This arrangement allows information transfer from one computer to another in "real time". (See also LAN/WAN).
Online catalog: A computerized database which usually can be searched by various search methods such as author, title, subject, or call number to find out what a library owns. Online catalogs will display the call number and the location of the material.
Operator: A search modifier used to refine the relationship between our search term(s). The three major ones are AND, OR and NOT.
Periodical: Material published regularly such as magazines, journals, and newspapers. (See also serial)
Remote Access: A phrase used to describe the connection of one computer to another computer located in different places.
Recall: A request for the return of library material before the due date.
Reference: 1. A service that provides assistance to information users to find needed information. 2. Sometimes it refers to reference collections, such as encyclopedias, indexes, CD-ROM databases, handbooks, directories, etc.
Renewal: The process of extending the loan period of library materials.
Reserve: A library service that manages the circulation of certain required course materials selected by instructors or professors.
Search statement/Search query: Terms or phrases with operators that we enter into the online catalog or electronic index to search. (See also keyword and controlled vocabulary).
Serial: A library term for periodicals.
Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP): Software that emulates an ethernet connection to the Internet through a modem.
Stacks: The area where library collections are shelved.
Subject Heading: A term or phrase used in indexes and library catalogs to group together materials on the same topic. Also called controlled vocabulary, descriptors, or thesaurus.
Terminal: One station that is part of a computer system.
Thesaurus: A list of categorized terms, such as synonyms and related words.
Upload: To transfer information from a computer system or a microcomputer to another computer system or a larger computer system.
Wide Area Network (WAN): Local area networks connected together by using telephones or other types of communications equipment. (See also Local Area Networks/LAN)
World Wide Web: A network of information, as a part of the Internet, that includes text, graphic, sound and moving images. Also know as the Web or WWW or W3. It incorporates a variety of Internet tools into one method of access, such as the Web browser Netscape, Mosaic, or Lynx.
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