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Library Jargon 101

Designed to helps students and faculty to navigate the different workings of the library and to better understand common library words and phrases.

Commonly Used Library Words

Bibliography- works or list of works referred to and cited in the text. Usually at the end of a paper or text. 

Call Number- a combination of numbers and letters guiding a library patron to the location of a specific book or other material. 

Catalog - the physical and online collection of materials housed in the library. Patron use the catalog to look up if materials are available and where they are located. 

Circulation desk- usually located at the front of the library. Patrons can check out materials, request books, and ask for library help at the desk. 

Citation- a way of quoting a work or text that you are referencing. This can be done with either a direct quote or a summary of the information you are citing. 

Database- online library resources where students and staff can find and read journal articles, newspapers, and other online resources

Hold- When a library patron has requested material to check out a "hold" is placed on the item. The item is reserved for the patron so that they can come and check it out without someone else getting it before them. 

Interlibrary Loan (ILL)- Other libraries across the state can send materials to the Butler Library at the request of a student or staff member. If our library does not have a book or other materials, patrons can request a loan from another library. 

Noodletools- A free resource for Butler students. Students can upload references from databases into Noodletools and create a bibliography or works cited for their research. This allows students to keep all of their research in one place. 

Peer reviewed journal article- a piece of writing (often published in a journal) that are looked over and reviewed by other experts in the field. This makes sure the article is accurate and good quality.

Primary source- an original document or works that provide first hand accounts of historical events. 

Reference- a detailed description of the cited work in one's research. Found in the bibliography or works cited.