Translating Library Terms

I have been working in academic libraries for 8 years and the one thing I've learned is that students and librarians don't always speak the same language! I make the mistake of assuming everyone knows what I know and I have to keep reminding myself that not everyone has the same education I do just as I don't have the same education they do. So with that in mind, here are some terms that are commonly used in libraries and their definitions. I hope this helps to make you more comfortable when using the library.

Database
A set of data grouped together in one location in (or accessible by) a computer. A computerized database has been likened to an electronic filing cabinet of information arranged for easy access or for a specific purpose.

Database (n.d.) The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/database

Library Catalog
A list of the contents of a library or a group of libraries, arranged according to any of various systems.

Catalog (n.d.) Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/catalog

E-journals
A periodical or magazine, especially one published for a special group, learned society, or profession available online.

Journals (n.d.) Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Journals

Index
A sequential arrangement of material, esp. in alphabetical or numerical order.

index. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/index

Interlibrary Loan
A system by which one library obtains a work for a user by borrowing it from another library.

interlibrary loan. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/interlibrary loan

Periodical or Serial
A magazine or other journal that is issued at regularly recurring intervals.

Periodical. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Periodical

Reference
A note in a publication referring the reader to another passage or source.

Reference. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Reference

Resource
Something that can be used for support or help such as a website, book, journal, etc.

Resource. (n.d.). The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Retrieved April 10, 2010, from Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Resource

Thanks to John Kupersmith's website, Library Terms
That Users Understand, for providing the inspiration for this post!