Archive – A collection of historical records, books, and documents that have special significance to a library or an area school or town.
Boolean – A system for conducting a computer-based search whereby the words “and,” “or,” and “not” are used to narrow or broaden a search.
Call Numbers – A combination of letters and numbers that indicates the physical location of a book or record within a library’s collections. Call numbers normally appear on the binding edge of a book.
Circulation Desk – The desk or area located in the front of a library (normally) where materials are checked out and returned.
Fine – The monetary charge that is applied to an account when materials are kept past the due date.
Interlibrary Loan – a service provided by many libraries that enables patrons to “borrow” materials from other libraries.
Journal – Scholarly journals contain collections of research articles, essays, and reviews written by experts in a particular field. For example, there are biology journals, history journals, literature journals—and journals for just about any field, focus, or discipline. Journals are published periodically.
Keyword Search – A method for identifying documents or books whereby a researcher types one or more topic-specific words in a search box.
Microfilm – Rolls of special black and white, sturdy film that contain and preserve minimized images of records. Microfilm is read on a special machine.
Microfiche – Similar to microfilm, microfiche consists of small, rectangular sheets of special film that contain images of records. Microfiche is read on a special machine.
Renewal – A service whereby the loan period of library materials is extended.
Reserves – A selection of readings (books and articles) that are set aside for a particular group of readers. A teacher may put a “reserve” of books in a special reading room to enable students to access assigned readings.
Reference – The area where reference librarians provide assistance to researchers. Reference librarians provide help in selecting or narrowing research topics, finding sources, conducting computer searches, and locating materials.
