Glossary
Abstract
A short summary describing the contents of a document. In journals, abstracts are often the first page of the article.
Annotation
A small note written to explain items in a document's text.
Archives
A collection of items relating to the history of an organisation
Audio Visual Material
Materials which are looked at or listened to, such as CDs, DVDs and CD-ROMs.
Barcode
A unique number assigned to each item in the Library to enable us to identify them on our system.
Bibliography
A list of materials related to a particular subject.
Boolean Operator
The terms 'and', 'or' and 'not' which are used in online searching.
Call number
(see Class Number)
Campus Card
(see Library Card)
Catalogue
This is a tool for looking up records that contain information about library material (i.e. books and journals). You can search the UCP Marjon Library Catalogue both online or via the OPACs around the Library to find books and items. The catalogue will tell you whether we actually hold these items, how many copies we have, their class number and if they are checked out of the Library to another student.
Citation
A reference to a specific piece of work or quotation which you may have used in an assignment, giving credit to the original author. Also known as a reference
Class Number
A number from the Dewey Decimal System which is used to identify and locate a book according to its subject.
Copyright
Copies of a work may only be made if the creator has given their permission. This is called copyright and there are restrictions to which libraries must adhere. Please see the copyright pages for more information.
Databases
(see Electronic Databases)
Dewey Decimal Classification
A classification system used in libraries to assign identifying class numbers to items based on their subject: e.g.
- Events management = 658.456
- Latin History = 470.9
- Rugby union = 796.33
Please see the Dewey Classification page for more information
Due date
The date by which your borrowed item must be returned to the Library. This will be stamped inside each item at the issue counter when you go to check out your books.
Electronic Databases
The Library subscribes to several electronic databases, an online service that enables you to search for journal articles and also other types of information such as Government and conference papers. Many articles are available as full text.
Electronic Journals
(see journals)
Hold
You can place a hold or reservation on an item if all copies are checked out of the Library. This means that as soon as one is returned, it will be held back for you for a period of one week for you to pick up. You will be sent an email letting you know it is ready for collection.
Inter-library Loans
If an item you require is not available in the Library and you are in the final year of your course we can request the item from British Library. Please see the Inter - Library Loans page for more information
ISBN
This stands for International Standard Book Number, and each book has its own identifying ISBN
ISSN
This stands for International Standard Serial Number, and each serial has its own identifying ISSN.
Journal
A specialist academic magazine. Also known as periodicals and serials. Some journals are also available electronically, and these are called electronic journals or e-journals.
Keyword Search
Performing a search on the Library catalogue or databases by combining significant words which relate to a specific subject.
Library Card
Each student is issued with a library card when they register for a course. It will have your name, photo, course and student number. Students must present this card if they wish to borrow from the Library. This card is also used to add photocopying within the Library. Also known as a campus card.
Library Gateway
The Library Gateway is the UCP Marjon Library web site providing 24 hour access to general library information and a wealth of electronic information.
Loan Period
The length of time for which you can borrow an item. Please see the borrowing information pages for more details.
Microfiche
Photographic film on which information is stored in very small print. We keep our dissertations and some of our back copies of journals on Microfiche.
OPAC
This is an online public access catalogue. There are OPACs on each floor of the Library.
Overdue notice
When your borrowed items are not returned on time, we send you a courtesy email letting you know that they are overdue and need to be returned. This email is sent to your UCP Marjon email address, so you must check this regularly.
Periodical
(see journal)
PIN
This number is used in conjunction with your student number to access your library account through the catalogue. This is initially set to 1111, but can be changed.
Pre overdue notice
When your borrowed items are due back in the next few days, we send you a courtesy email letting you know that they should be renewed or returned. This email is sent to your UCP Marjon email address, so you must check this regularly.
Recalled Item
If you have an item which has been requested by another student and you have not returned it by the due date, we will contact you to recall the item. You have 3 days after we contact you before overdue fines are increased. For more information, see the page on borrowing information.
Reference
The collection of books in the library which cannot be borrowed, but used for reference purposes only. See citation
Renewal
If you are not ready to return your items by the due date, you can renew your books by contacting the Library or renew online using the Library catalogue, providing another student has not requested it.
Serial
(see journal)
Short Loan
Items which will be heavily used or that we have limited copies of can be placed on short loan by tutors. This means that students can only borrow them for 4 hours at a time.
Student Number
The eight digit number on your library card underneath the barcode. You need this to access your library account online. Also known as your user number.
Stack
Some back copies of our journals are kept in the stack room on the ground floor. Check the catalogue record for the journal you want and this will tell you whether back copies are on the second floor or in the stack.
Three day Loan
Some heavily used items are placed on a restricted or three day loan. This means they can only be borrowed for three days at a time, instead of the normal three week period.
User Number
(see student number)
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
This is a set of teaching and learning tools designed to enhance and develop a student's learning experience through the involvement of the internet and computers, also known as Learning Space or Moodle.
Weekly Loan
Some heavily used items are placed on a restricted or weekly loan. This means they can only be borrowed for a week at a time, instead of the normal three week period.
Wireless
The Library has been fitted with a wireless network. This means that if you have the appropriate wireless card in your laptop you will be able to access the internet in the Library.
Last modified on Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:35:45 GMT by asawyer
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