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Glossary of Terminology
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A
Abstract
A brief summary of the content of a book, article, speech, report,
dissertation, etc. In scholarly journals, the abstract usually appears at the
beginning of an article, after the article title and author(s) name(s), and
before the text. 
ActiveX
A Microsoft technology used on the Internet to make interactive web pages
that look and behave like computer programs, rather than static pages.
ActiveX controls may be used with Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser to
interact with web pages. ActiveX controls provide functions similar to Java Applets.
Agent
On the Internet, a software program that automatically gathers information.
Almanac
An annual publication containing useful statistics and facts, both current
and retrospective.
Annotation
A critical or explanatory note, usually included in a bibliographical
reference or citation, which may provide information about the author and
content of the work cited.
Anonymous FTP
The use of the FTP file transfer program to log on to another computer system
via the Internet to obtain files from a public-access archive. Anyone is
allowed access, since no login name or password is required.
Archie
A search tool that helps locate publicly-accessible file archives, as well as
the files contained within them, by means of Anonymous FTP.
Archive
On the Internet, a repository of stored files which is accessible by
Anonymous FTP. The term also describes a collection of computer files that
has been grouped together and stored under one file name.
Archives
An organized collection of the noncurrent records of an institution,
government, organization, or corporate body, or the personal papers of an
individual or family, preserved in a repository for their historical value.
Managed and maintained by an archivist. Also refers to the physical
repository itself.
ARPANET
A network created in 1969 by the U.S. Defense Department's Advanced Projects
Research Agency (ARPA) to develop a system of data communications for
scientific and military operations. ARPANET adopted the TCP/IP communications
standard, which defines data transfer on the Internet today.
Article
A work of prose, usually on a specific topic, identified by its title (or
heading) and often by its author(s), and published in a book or periodical
containing several such works.
ASCII
American Standard Code for Information Interchange. A seven bit code used for
representing text, graphics, and keyboard control characters for computer
use. For file transfer purposes, an ASCII file is a text file which should be
readable on any type of computer.
Asynchronous communication
Communication which ocurs intermittently, not in "real time". E-mail is an asynchronous means of communication.
B
Bibliography
A list of references for further research and reading at the end of a book or
article. Long bibliographies may be published separately in book form and are
usually written by a bibliographer. Style manuals for various bibliographical
formats (APA, MLA, etc.) are usually available at the reference desk in
academic libraries.
Binary file
A file that contains characters other than the standard ASCII characters. You
can't read binary files on a computer screen until they are uncompressed or
executed. These files include compressed files which must be unzipped and
executable programs which must be run on the systems for which they are
created.
Bit
A binary digit, the smallest piece of information that a computer can hold. A
bit is always one of two values, written as 1 or 0, corresponding to the on
or off state of a digital switch or the high or low of electrical impulses.
Single characters of information are represented by a combination of bits called
bytes. For personal computers, a byte equals eight bits.
Bits per second
The data transfer rate that specifies the number of bits that a computer
system can transmit per second. The latest computer modems are designed to
allow transfer rates up to 56 thousand bits per second although the quality
of telephone lines can reduce the transfer speed. Cable modems and network
connections provide much higher transfer speeds than computer modems.
Book
A collection of leaves of paper, parchment, vellum, or other material
(whether written, printed, or blank), affixed in in some manner to one
another, with or without a case or cover. Also, a literary work or one of its
volumes.
Boolean operator
A word (AND, OR, or NOT) that helps you narrow, broaden, or refine the scope
of a keyword search. On the Internet, you can use Boolean operators with most
search engines.
Boolean searching
A method of combining concepts in keywords search which allows the searcher
to use three logical commands (sometimes called "operators").
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The OR command is used to expand or broaden search
results by including synonyms and related terms.
- Search statement:
violence or conflict or aggression
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The AND command is used to narrow search results. Each
time another concept is added using "and" the search becomes more
specific. In some online catalogs, and electronic databases, the
"and" command is implicit -- there is no need to type it in a
keywords search.
- Search statement:
violence and television
- Or just: violence
television
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The NOT command is used to exclude unwanted records from
search results.
- Search statement:
television not video
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When two different Boolean commands are used in the same search statement,
parentheses must be included to indicate which command is to be performed
first. See also nesting.
- Search statement:
television and (violence or aggression)
- Or just: television
(violence or aggression)
Browser
See web browser.
Bulletin Board System (BBS)
An electronic version of a bulletin board, a place to leave and collect
messages and information files. Usually operated by volunteer computer
enthusiasts, BBS systems usually offer files for downloading, local e-mail, discussion forums,and
often provide access to the Internet and Usenet.
Byte
Abbreviation for Binary Term, a combination of bits representing one
character. On most computers, a byte is equal to 8 bits.
C
Catalog
A list of books, periodicals, maps, and other materials, arranged in a
definite order. In most modern libraries, the catalog is online
(computerized).
Chat
A system which allows real-time (occurring immediately) communication between
two or more computer users. Chat systems may have numerous channels or rooms
which users may enter. See also IRC.
Chat room
A virtual room in which chat discussion takes place. Also referred to as chat
channel.
Circuit-switched network
A communications network, such as the telephone system, that works with a
dedicated channel between the sender and the receiver of a message. The
entire channel is devoted to the link for the duration of the communications
session.
Citation
A written reference to a specific work (book, article, dissertation, report,
musical composition, etc.) by a particular author or creator which identifies
the document in which the work may be found. Citation format varies from one
field of study to another. Citation style manuals are
usually available at the reference desk in academic libraries.
Client
A computer program that works on the searcher's behalf to contact a
compatible information source, called a server, elsewhere on the Internet. A
client is like a librarian working for you. You need information and the
librarian goes out and gets it. One of the earliest clients on the Internet
was Telnet. You can use Telnet to contact library catalog and database
servers all over the world. Netscape and Internet Explorer are client
programs for the World Wide Web which provide hypertext connections to
information.
Computer program
A set of instructions, written in a specific programming language, which a
computer follows in processing data, performing an operation, or solving a
logical problem. See also software.
Concept search
A search for documents related by concept to a word, rather than specifically
containing the word itself. See also keyword search.
Copyright
The exclusive legal right granted to an author, editor, composer, playwright,
publisher, or distributor to publish, produce, sell, or distribute a
literary, musical, dramatic, or artistic work, within certain limitations. In
the United States, copyright is controlled by laws passed by Congress. Notice
of copyright usually appears on the verso of the title page of a book.
Restrictions may apply to the use of copyrighted material by persons other
than the author or creator of the work. See also fair use.
Stanford University Library's Copyright
and Fair Use site provides more information.
CWIS
Campus-Wide Information Systems provide information about academic programs
and services available on college and university campuses, including
directory information, current catalogs, calendars, bulletin boards, and
databases.
Cyberspace
The electronic space created by a computer system or computer network which
the user can explore. The sensation of cyberspace is that of being inside a
virtual space that has been created by a computer system. In linking millions
of computers worldwide, the Internet eliminates distance with almost
instantaneous links and constructs a new space rich in hidden resources.
D
Database
A continuously updated file of related information, abstracts, or references
on a particular subject, arranged for ease and speed of search and retrieval
using a computer. Most library databases are periodical indexes,
abstracting services, and full-text
databases which are leased annually from a database provider. Access may be
limited under the terms of a licensing agreement to registered borrowers.
See also subscription-based database.
Dictionary
A book of words in a language, arranged alphabetically, which provides
information about spelling, meaning, etymology (origins), function,
pronunciation, etc.
Digital data
Data represented as discrete and discontinuous binary digits, as opposed to
analog data which exists in continuous and variable form such as voltage,
pressure, etc.
Directory
A list of the names, addresses, phone/FAX numbers, and affiliations of a
specific group of people, companies, organizations, publications, etc. Some
directories include additional information. In most libraries, current
directories are shelved in the reference collection.
Discussion group
A group of people who exchange online messages about particular topics.
Includes newsgroups, bulletin
board forums, and mailing lists.
Distributed subject tree
A web subject
directory which is compiled by subject specialists who
are experts in their subject fields.
DLLI (Distance Learning Library Initiative)
A cooperative library program among community college, university and public
librararies to support distance education programs in Florida. Pronounced
"dillie".
DNS (Domain Name System)
The worldwide system which regulates Internet host names. Each host must have
a unique name. Top-level domains in the United States include .com, .edu,
.gov, .net, and .org. Two letter country codes such as .se (Sweden) and .ca
(Canada) are used for other countries. Some U.S. sites also have a state and
country designation, such as .fl.us. See also domain name.
Document
A physical or digital entity which records all or part of a work or several
works. Documents appear in a variety of formats including books, pamphlets,
periodicals, maps, manuscripts, graphics, audiorecordings, videorecordings,
motion pictures, microfiche, microfilm and digital
files.
Documentation
The act of creating citations to identify resources
used in writing a work. The Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association and the MLA Handbook for Writers of
Research Papers are examples of two widely used style
manuals which provide formats for documenting resources.
Domain name
A name that uniquely identifies an Internet computer site. The domain name
for LINCC, Florida's community college library network, is lincc.ccla.lib.fl.us.
Domain names always have two or more parts, separated by dots. The first part
is a specific computer site name. The second part indicates the type of site.
Site types include .edu (educational), .com (commercial), .gov (government),
.lib (libraries), and .org (organizations). See also DNS
(Domain Name System).
Download
On the Internet, to transfer a file from another computer to your computer by
means of a modem and telephone line (or cable) or network connection. File
Transfer Protocol assures the transmission is free from errors.
E
Editor
A person who selects and prepares the works of other writers for publication,
by selection, arrangement, and annotation. Some collected works (and most
periodicals) have more than one editor. Multi-volume reference sets may
require a general editor to supervise the work of a staff of editors.
E-mail (Electronic mail)
A means of computer-based communication in which you send an electronic
message or letter to one or more recipients who do not receive your message
until they log on to their computer system and start their e-mail client.
E-mail address
A series of characters, such as joe@college.edu, that uniquely identifies the
mailbox of a person who can send and receive electronic mail. The address
includes the person's mailbox name (joe in the example) followed by an @
(pronounced "at") and an Internet domain name (college.edu) which
precisely identifies the host computer on which the person's e-mail account
is registered.
Emoticon
Short for emotion icon, a series of punctuation characters that indicates the
writer's mood or how an e-mail or chat message should be interpreted. For
example, :-) stands for a smiling face and indicates that the message should
be interpreted lightly. Emoticons are also referred to as smileys.
Encyclopedia
A book, or set of books, or digital version of such, containing authoritative
information about a variety of topics, Print encyclopedia arrange entries in
alphabetical order, digital versions are usually searchable by keyword or
subject. Multi-volume encyclopedias often include an index in the last
volume. Also spelled encyclopaedia. Synonymous with cyclopedia. Essay
A short literary composition dealing with a single subject usually written
from the personal point of view of its author who may not attempt
completeness. Essays are often published in collected works.
Executable file
A binary file containing a program which is ready to be
executed or run by a computer.
F
Fair use
Conditions under which copying is not an infringement of U.S. copyright. law which permits copying for purposes of
criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.
Although fair use is not explicitly defined in U.S. copyright law, it must
meet the following criteria:
- The use must not
impair the value of the copyright by reducing demand in the marketplace
for the original
·
The copier must not have used the efforts of the
copyright owner as a substitute for his or her own intellectual effort
·
The use must be "fair" by the standards of
any reasonable person, not damaging to the original work. Stanford
University Library's Copyright and Fair
Use site provides more information.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
A posted document that contains lists of questions typically asked by new
Internet users (newbies) with informative answers. Pronounced
"fack."
Field
A space allocated for a particular item of information. A library catalog
record, for example, contains a number of fields: author, title, publisher
information, date, etc. In database systems, fields are the smallest units of
information you can access. A collection of fields is called a record.
Field searching
A means of narrowing a database search in specific fields
such as author, title, date, type of resource, type of web site, URL etc.
Finger
A UNIX program that lets you retrieve basic information about an Internet
user or host. Finger is available at various sites on the World Wide Web.
FirstSearch
An online search service provided by a company called OCLC (Online Computer
Library Center) which provides access to over sixty indexing,
abstracting, and full-text
databases covering a wide range of fields.
Frames
A feature supported by the latest versions of web browsers than enables the
web author to divide the browser display area into two or more sections
(frames). The contents of multiple frames are displayed as different web
pages and may be opened individually in a new browser window.
Freenet
A community-based Internet host that is designed to bring free network access
to a community. Access is often provided through public libraries or through
dial-up access. Often local bulletin boards, information about community
activities, e-mail,and Internet access are available to registered users.
Freeware
Software which is distributed free by the author. Although it is available
for free, the author retains the copyright, which means that it cannot be
altered or sold.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
An Internet protocol or standard which provides the capability to transfer
files to and from other computers or hosts. These may be text files or
computer programs.
Full-text
The entire text of a work. A full-text journal database contains, in addition
to citations, the complete text of a significant proportion of the articles
indexed. A full-text journal, magazine, or newspaper article which was
originally published in a paper version may have been reformatted from the
original and may not include graphics, charts, or maps in their original
format.
G
Gopher
A computer program that permits browsing in search of Internet resources.
Gopher enables you to retrieve items without having to know the technical
details of where the resources are located and how to operate the programs
that retrieve them. Gopher uses the client-server retrieval method. You use
the Gopher client that is available on your host system and this client helps
you contact Gopher servers on other hosts. Gopher also organizes information
into a hierarchy of menus so it is easier to find.
Government documents
Publications of U.S. federal government, including hearings, reports,
statutes, treaties, periodicals (example: Monthly Labor Review), and
statistics (U.S. Census). In libraries, government documents are usually
shelved in a separate section by SuDocs number, or are available on the World
Wide Web.
H
Home page
In World Wide Web, the hypertext page that appears by default when you access
a Web host. Typically, a home page serves as a contents page for the host and
provides links to other Web pages.
Host
The name given to an individual computer attached to the Internet. A host
computer runs TCP/IP software and functions as an end point of data transfer
on the Internet.
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
The standard markup language for documents available to the World Wide Web.
HTML is a variation of SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) which is
frequently used to mark up or identify the parts of electronic texts for
display and analysis. HTML provides tags to format World Wide Web documents.
HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)
The protocol which allows browsing on the World Wide Web. The protocol allows
a user browsing a hypertext document to jump to another document that may be
located on another host thousands of miles away, and to retrieve the
information in that document.
Hyperlink
In a hypertext or hypermedia document, an emphasized word, phrase, image or
other element that, when selected, leads to another document. Sometimes
called a hot link.
Hypermedia
A hypertext system that can display multimedia, including graphics, sounds,
animation, and video.
Hypertext
A non-sequential method for reading a document displayed on a computer
screen. Instead of reading the document in sequence from beginning to end,
the reader can jump to topics by selecting a highlighted word or phrase
embedded within the document. This activates a link, connecting the reader to
another place in the same document or to another document. The resulting
matrix of links is called a web.
Hytelnet
A computer program that provides connections to Telnet sites, primarily
electronic card catalogs of college and university libraries.
I
Internet
A world-wide network of computer networks that exchange data by means of the
TCP/IP protocol, a standard means of computer communication. The result is a
cyberspace of enormously valuable global resources and collaboration.
Index
An alphabetically arranged list of names, places, and topics treated in a
printed work which gives the page number(s) on which each topic is discussed.
Usually located at the end of a book, or in the last volume of a multi-volume
work. More broadly, a finding-guide to the contents of published material in
a library collection, or in a specific field of research.
Interlibrary loan
If a book or other item needed by a library user is checked out or not
available for some other reason, or if the library does not own the item, a
registered borrower may have the privilege of requesting the item from
another library. Some libraries permit interlibrary loan requests to be
submitted electronically via e-mail or the World Wide Web.
Internet Explorer
A popular graphical web browser. Like Netscape Navigator,
Internet Explorer supports the latest interactive features offered on web
sites, including Java, JavaScript and ActiveX.
IP address
Also called an Internet address. The unique address for each computer on the
Internet. The IP address appears as a set of four numbers separated by
periods. The numbers indicate the domain, the network, the subnetwork and the
host computer. Each IP address usually has an equivalent domain name address,
which is spelled out with letters.
IRC
An acronym for Internet Relay Chat, a chat system
developed in the late 1980s. In order to logon an IRC client program is
necessary, along with an Internet connection. IRC provides many channels worldwide.
J
Java
A high-level programming language, similar to C++, developed by Sun
Microsystems. Java supports programming for the Internet in the form of Java
"applets", which are often used to provide animated or interactive
features for web pages. Java programs can run on many different types of
computers. The latest versions of Netscape
and Internet Explorer are web browsers that run
Java applications. Javascript, a scripting language developed by Netscape,
can interact with HTML source code, enabling web authors without programming
knowledge to create dynamic, interactive web sites.
Journal
A scholarly periodical devoted to disseminating current information about
research and developments in a specific field or subfield of human knowledge.
Many journals are published quarterly. Most journal articles are longer than
five pages and include a bibiography or list of works cited. Journal articles
usually include a paragraph at the beginning, called an abstract, which
summarizes the main points of the article. Compare with magazine.
K
Kbps
KiloBits Per Second. The unit used to measure how fast data is transferred on
a network. One kilobit is 1024 bits.
Keyword
A significant word in the abstract, title, subject headings (descriptors), or
text of an entry in a bibliographic database which can be used as a search
term in a free-text or natural language search.
Keyword search
A search for documents containing one or more keywords that are specified by
a user. See also concept search.
L
Library
A collection of books and other materials maintained for reading,
consultation, study, and research and organized to provide access to a
specific clientele, with a staff trained to provide services to meet the
needs of its users. Modern libraries also serve as gateways to online and
Internet resources, and provide instruction in the use of electronic
resources.
LINCCWeb
The Library Information Network for Community Colleges (LINCC) is an
automated information system for Florida community college library users.
LINCC includes a catalog of the holdings of the libraries of Florida's 28
public community colleges as well as access to a wide array of electronic
information resources. LINCC is operated and maintained by the College Center
for Library Automation (CCLA). LINCCWeb is accessible on the World Wide Web
at http://www.ccla.lib.fl.us
Listserv
A mailing list software program that automatically distributes mailing lists
on a particular subject. Listserv is sometimes used as a synonym for
mailing list.
Logoff
The procedure by which a user closes or terminates communciation with a
computer in a time-sharing mode. The opposite of logon. Also written log off
or log-off.
Logon
The procedure by which a user gains access to, and initiates communication
with, a computer in a time-sharing mode. Usually requires an authorized username and password. The
opposite of logoff. Also written log on or log-on.
Lynx
A text-only browsing program for the World Wide Web that provides hypertext
capabilities for users. To navigate the Web's hypertext links, use the up or
down arrow keys to select a link, and press enter or the right arrow key to
jump to the next document. Lynx also provides key word searching and the
ability to display a history list of the jumps you have made. Lynx will not
display graphic or multimedia files.
M
Magazine
A popular or general interest periodical containing articles on a variety of
topics by different authors. Usually includes color graphics and advertising
printed on glossy paper. Articles tend to be short (1-3 pages). Most
magazines are issued weekly or monthly. Compare with journal.
Mailing list
An e-mail discussion group or forum. Participants
subscribe to a list, receive copies of messages sent by other members, and can
e-mail their own comments. Some mailing lists employ a moderator who receives
and screens all messages, and decides which messages to pass on. Unmoderated
lists simply redirect all mail received to the list of recipients. Mailing
lists may be scholarly, technical, social or recreational. The advantage of
mailing lists over public Usenet groups is that the discussion is usually
limited to interested and committed participants, and therefore more focused.
Markup language
A language that has codes for indicating layout and styling (such as
boldface, italics, paragraphs, placement of graphics, etc.) within a text
file. Widely used markup languages include SGML (Standard General Markup
Language) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language.
Media
A generic term for nonprint materials such as films, filmstrips,
videorecordings, audio compact disks, audiotapes, and computer software.
Synonymous with audio-visual materials. More broadly, material in all formats
which carry and communicate information.
Meta tag
An HTML tag which provides information about a web
document. Unlike regular tags, meta tags do not provide formatting
information for the browser. Instead they provide such information as the
author, date of creation or latest update for the page, and keywords which
indicate the subject matter. Search engines often use keywords from meta tags
to index their databases.
Meta-search engine
A search tool that queries multiple search engine
databases simultaneously.
Microfiche
A card-shaped piece of photographic film, usually 4x6 or 3x5 inches in size,
used for storage of miniaturized text in a grid pattern which can be read
only with the aid of magnification by a reader/printer machine.
Microfilm
A continuous roll of photographic film, used for storage of miniaturized text
which can be read only with magnification by a reader/printer machine. In
some libraries, back files of periodicals are routinely converted to
microfilm to save space. Reader/printer machines are usually available in
libraries with microfilm holdings for viewing and making copies.
Modem
Stands for "modulator-demodulator"--a device for translating
digital signals from a transmitting computer terminal into analog data for
transmission over a telephone line, and for reconverting analog to digital at
the receiving end. See also remote access.
MIME
Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions. A protocol which defines multimedia
files and allows Internet users to exchange non-ASCII files such as audio,
video, and graphics files in e-mail messages. To use MIME, both sender and
receiver must use MIME compatible e-mail programs.
Multimedia
The combination and integration of more than one media format into a
presentation or program, for example: computer graphics with audio.
N
Natural Language
A human language whose rules have evolved from current usage, as opposed to
an artificial language whose rules are prescribed prior to its construction
and use, as in the case of a computer language. In database searching, a
natural language search allows the user to type words as input in the same
way that a person normally speaks them.
Nesting
In Boolean searching, using parentheses to embed a
logical operation within another logical operation, thereby indicating the
order in which the logical operators or commands are to be executed by a
computer (syntax). In the following example, the Boolean "or"
command will be executed first, followed by "not" and then
"and."
Search statement: children and violence
and ((television or media) not cartoon*)
Netiquette
Short for Internet etiquette. Rules of behavior governing communication on
the Internet.
Netscape Navigator
A popular graphical web browser. Like Internet Explorer,
Netscape supports the latest interactive features offered on web sites,
including Java and JavaScript.
Network
A collection of interconnected computers.
Newsgroup
An electronic discussion group or bulletin board that is devoted to discussion of a
specific topic. A newsgroup consists of postings, which are messages that
have been addressed to the newsgroup rather than a specific individual.
Newsgroup postings are uncensored. As a result, some very explicit and candid
discussions occur, ranging from political arguments, to religious opinions,
to very explicit stories. Unlike mailing lists, which
send postings directly to subscribers' mailboxes, newsgroup postings are
available on Usenet computers and must be accessed by the user. Usenet is the world-wide conferencing system, encompassing
thousands of newsgroups.
Newspaper
A publication printed on newsprint and distributed daily or weekly,
containing news, editorials, regular commentary by syndicated columnists,
cartoons, advertising, and other items of general interest. In libraries,
newspaper back files are usually converted to microfilm or microfiche to save
space. Reader/printer machines are usually provided for viewing and making
copies of material in microform format. Most major newspapers distribute
current issues on the World Wide Web.
O
Online
Connected to a computer service. In library usage, generally synonymous with
automated, computerized, or electronic.
Online catalog
A library catalog whose records are in machine-readable (digital) format and
maintained on a computer which provides interactive access via terminals or
PCs which are in direct, continuous communication with the computer during
each transaction.
Operating system
The software that runs a computer, including scheduling tasks, managing
storage, and handling communication with peripherals. Examples include DOS,
Windows 95 and UNIX.
P
Packet
A unit of data which is small enough that it can be transmitted efficiently
over a packet-switched network. Packets contain data and the destination
address.
Packet-switched network
A communications network, such as the Internet, in
which a message or data file is broken into segments called packets which
contain the destination address. The packets travel independently through the
network, taking the most efficient path to their destination, where they are
reassembled into the original file.
Pamphlet
A non-serial publication consisting of at least five but not more than 48
pages, fastened together but not bound, usually enclosed in a paper cover.
Synonymous with booklet and brochure.
Password
In logging on to an online database or computer file, the user is often
required to provide a word or sequence of characters to identify himself (or
herself) as a person authorized to access the desired resource(s). A password
must be renewed or changed periodically for security reasons, in contrast to
the username which remains constant.
Path
On the World Wide Web, the sequence of directories leading to an Internet
document. When dissecting a URL, the path is the part of the address
following the protocol and domain name. It may consist of any number of
directories and a file name. An explanation of relative addressing is
available at http://www.webteacher.org/winnet/navigate/path.html.
PC
An abbreviation which stands for personal computer, a type of microcomputer
designed for personal use by an individual. A PC may function as a
stand-alone workstation or be connected to a computer network.
Peer-review
The process of evaluating manuscripts submitted by potential contributors by
at least one subject specialist in addition to the editor
prior to acceptance for publication. Journal articles
are usually peer-reviewed. Internet documents are not usually peer-reviewed.
Periodical
A publication with a distinctive title issued in softcover more than once,
usually at regular intervals, without prior decision as to when the final
issue will appear. Includes newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and journals.
Sold at newsstands and by subscription. Libraries usually bind all the issues
which appear during a specific calendar year in a single numbered volume.
Periodical index
A cumulative list of periodical articles, arranged alphabetical ly by subject
and by author's last name. Most periodical indexes are devoted to a specific
field (example: PsycInfo in psychology) or type of periodical (example: New
York Times Index). In libraries, periodical indexes may be available in
print, on CD-ROM, via the online catalog, or as separate online databases.
Phrase searching
A means of narrowing a database search to display documents which include a
particular phrase. Search engines usually require quotation marks to indicate
phrases.
Plagiarism
Copying the work of another writer or composer and then passing the results
off as original work. In most colleges and universities, professors impose
penalties on students who plagiarize the works of others. To avoid
plagiarism, it is wise to paraphrase or quote and then cite the original
source in a footnote or endnote.
Posting
A message published in an online discussion group.
Protocol
A standard that governs network communications by providing a set of rules
for its operation.
R
Reference book
A book designed to be used to find specific items of information, rather than
read cover-to-cover. Reference books include dictionaries, concordances,
encyclopedias, handbooks, directories, and atlases. Reference books are
usually shelved in a separate section known as the reference stacks, or may
be available online. In most libraries, reference books may not be checked
out because they are needed on a daily basis to answer questions at the
reference desk.
Reference librarian
A librarian employed in a reference department who is responsible for
providing helpful information in response to questions posed by users of the
library. Reference service may be delivered in person, or by phone or e-mail.
Remote access
Communication with a distant computer system or computer network. May require
the user to type or enter an authorized username and password, and special software or hardware, such as a modem.
Research
Systematic, intensive, patient study and investigation in some field of
knowledge, usually employing the techniques of hypothesis and experiment,
whose purpose is to reveal new facts, theories, or principles.
Robot
A computer program that runs automatically. Two types of robots are agents and spiders.
S
Search engine
Generally, a program that searches documents for specified keywords and
returns a list of the documents where the keywords were found. More
specifically used for tools such as AltaVista, Go Network, HotBot and Northern Light which allow users to
search for web and Usenet documents. Search engines work by sending a
computer program called a spider out on the World Wide Web to gather as many
documents as possible. A second program called an indexer creates an indexed
database which is searched when the user queries the search engine. Compare
with subject
directory.
Search statement
See Search string.
Search strategy
In a search for information, a systematic plan in which the first step is to
formulate a topic statement, the next step is to identify search terms
appropriate to the topic, and the following step is to combine the terms in
search statements acceptable to the database or other tool used in searching.
Reference books and subject thesauri can be very helpful in identifying and
selecting search terms. See also Boolean searching.
Search string
A string of words or a phrase that is used to search and locate or retrieve a
specific piece of information or file from a database or a set of documents.
With some searchable databases, or with advanced searches, the search
statement may include words, Boolean operators and
other characters such as +, = or *. Sometimes called "search
statement". See also Boolean searching.
Search term
In database searching, a word or phrase expressing an information need or
query which is acceptable to a specific search software system.
Server
A program that receives requests for information from a client program,
locates the information, and sends the information back to the client and the
user.
Shareware
Software distributed on an honor system. Most shareware is free for an
evaluation period but requires payment if you continue to use it beyond the
evaluation period. After paying the registration fee, you may be eligible for
technical assistance and updates. Shareware is protected by copyright laws.
Smiley
See emoticon.
Software
A generic term for computer programs, including
systems programs which operate the computer itself, and applications programs
which control the particular task at hand.
Source
Any document which provides a library user, researcher, or database searcher,
with the information he or she seeks. Also refers to any document which
provides information, such as a quotation, which is copied or reproduced in
another document.
Spider
An automated program (sometimes called a webcrawler) which crawls over the
World Wide Web, gathering web pages for search engines. Large search engines
employ many spiders. Spiders are a type of robot.
Style manual
A guide which gives the prescribed format for typing footnotes, endnotes, and
bibliographies for a specific field of study. In academic libraries, the
latest editions of leading style manuals are usually available in the
reference section.
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Examples:
- Chicago Manual
of Style
- Complete Guide
to Citing Government Documents (American Library Association)
- MLA Handbook
for Writers of Research Papers
- Publication
Manual of the American Psychological Association
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Subheading
A secondary heading added to a subject heading, usually following a dash or
some other punctuation, to divide entries under the subject into more
specific subcategories.
Subject directory
An Internet research tool on the World Wide Web that organizes Internet
resources by subject headings and subheadings. Subject directories are
usually compiled by human beings who apply some selection criteria to
resources included in the database. Yahoo!
is the largest and most popular subject directory. Compare with search engine.
Subject heading
In libraries, a word or phrase assigned to a work to indicate its subject,
and to serve as an access point in an index, catalog, or database.
Subject tree
See subject directory, distributed
subject tree.
Subscription
The right granted by a publisher to receive a periodical for a fixed period
of time, or for a fixed number of issues, in exchange for payment of a fixed
sum in advance. Subscriptions may be delivered by mail or online and are
usually renewed annually.
Subscription-based database
A database which is provided by a database vendor for
a specific period of time by lease or subscription.
T
TCP/IP
An acronym for the two fundamental protocols that make the Internet possible,
the Transmission Control Protocol and the Internet Protocol. The Transmission
Control Protocol defines data flow, acknowledges data, and retransmits lost
or damaged data. The Internet Protocol defines the basic unit of data
transfer, the packet, and the exact format of all data as it passes across
the Internet.
Telnet
A protocol that allows users to log on to remote hosts and allows users of
one type of computer hardware and software to access other computers that use
different hardware and software.
Text editor
A program that allows you to create and edit text files. Text editors, such
as Wordpad, provide fewer formatting options than word processors.
Topic
A subject for research or discussion. The first step in a research project is
usually to formulate a workable topic statement. See also search
strategy.
Truncation
The addition of a symbol to a word root in a keyword search to retrieve
variant endings on the root. Truncation is particularly useful in retrieving
both the singular and the plural forms of a word in the same search. In most
online catalogs and electronic databases, the truncation symbol is the
asterisk (*), although other symbols may be used.
U
URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
As the Internet has grown, the need for a way to name specific resources has
become critical. The URL naming system can be used when referring to a
particular resource, by people naming the source, and by computers when
giving directions on how and where to access the resource. The following is a
sample URL:
http://ccla.lib.fl.us/www/dblist.html
This
describes a Web site (ccla.lib.fl.us), the directory (www) in which the file
is stored, and the file name (dblist.html). The file is a Web page called Electronic
Information Resources which provides links to research databases for
Florida community college students.
UNIX
A popular operating system, developed by AT&T in 1969, that was very
important in the development of the Internet. UNIX allows more than one user
to access a computer system at the same time. An early version of UNIX, which
was used by most colleges and universities, incorporated TCP/IP and made
Internet connections possible.
Usenet
A network of computer systems that have agreed to share and maintain a huge
set of electronic discussion groups, called newsgroups. Each newsgroup focuses on a specific topic.
Messages posted to a newsgroup on one system are eventually distributed
throughout the Usenet network.
Username
A code name which an authorized user must type or enter into a computer
system to logon and gain access to its resources. See
also password.
V
Veronica
A search tool that finds files on Gopher servers. Veronica allows you to
search with keywords, select an information file from a menu, and connect
directly to the Gopher source.
W
Web browser
A client program that provides tools for exploring the World Wide Web. A
browser retrieves and displays HTML documents and provides access to other
types of Internet resources. The latest versions of graphical browsers can
present multimedia information, including audio and video files, but require
plug-ins for some file formats. Examples of widely-used browsers are
Netscape, Internet Explorer and Lynx. Netscape and Internet Explorer provide
a graphical interface; Lynx provides text-only access.
Web conferencing
A conference conducted via the World Wide Web between two or more
participants in different locations. Text, audio or video may be used to
communicate in "real time" or in an asynchronous environment.
Webcrawler
See spider.
Web site
A site or location on the World Wide Web. A Web site contains a home page, or
contents page, which is the first document users see when they enter the
site. The site may also contain additional pages. Each site is owned and
managed by an individual, company or organization. Also written website.
Wildcard
In a keyword search, a symbol may sometimes be inserted in the middle of a
search term to retrieve words containing any character in the designated
position. The wildcard symbol may vary from one type of search software to
the next. See also truncation and Boolean searching. Example: In some
databases, the keywords search wom+n (or wom?n) will retrieve records
containing both "woman" and "women."
Word processor
A program that allows you to create and format documents. Word processing
programs provide more formatting features than text editors, including file
management and the ability to incorporate graphics into the document.
World Wide Web (WWW or
"the Web")
A worldwide hypermedia information retrieval system which aims to provide
global access to the Internet. The Web uses hypertext rather than menus to
move through the Internet maze. When you activate a hypertext link, the web
browser automatically makes the connection to the host that houses the
requested document, and retrieves the document while hiding the details of
the file transfer process.
Z
Zip
A data compression format. Files that have been compressed require less space
and may be transferred over data lines more quickly than uncompressed files.
ZIP files usually end with a .zip extension.
The following sources were used to compile this glossary:
High Tech Dictionary. January
1999. Computer Currents
Magazine. 8 January 1999. <http://www.currents.net/
resources/dictionary/dictionary.phtml>.
Howe, Dennis. FOLDOC: Free Online Dictionary of Computing. 1999. 8
jan. 1999. <http://wombat.doc.ic.ac.uk>.
Jenkins, Stephen. Glossary of PC and Internet Terminology 1 Jan.
1999. <http://homepages.enterprise.net/jenko/Glossary/G.htm>.
Krol, Ed, and Paula Ferguson. The Whole Internet For Windows 95.
Sebastopol: O'Reilly, 1995.
PC Webopaedia. Westport, Internet.com, 1999. 12 July 1999.
<http://webopedia.internet.com>.
Pfaffenberger, Brian. Internet in Plain English. 2nd ed. New York:
MIS, 1996.
Reitz, Joan. Hypertext Library Lingo 1999. 21 July 1999
<http://www.wcsu.ctstateu.edu/library/library_lingo.htm>.
*Some definitions are reproduced verbatim from Hypertext Library
Lingo.
Sullivan Danny.Search Engine Glossary. Westport, Internet.com,
1999. 1 August 1999. <http://searchenginewatch.internet.com/facts/glossary.html>.
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