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Library Terms

Here is a list of commonly used library terms.

18 Assets

A

Archives
Alt Names: Special Collections

The Archives and Special Collections of University Libraries collects, preserves, and provides access to important historical resources.

 We primarily document the history of the following topics:

  • The University of Akron
  • Akron and Summit County
  • The rubber industry
  • Lighter-than-air flight
  • Ohio canals
  • The book and print culture
  • The B-26 Marauder and the 9th Air Force

For more information on the University Archives and Special Collections.

C

Call number
Alt Names: Item location, Call no.

A set of letters and numbers identifying a particular item in a library collection. You may be familiar with Dewey Decimal call numbers. Most university libraries (including UA) use Library of Congress call numbers.

For more information on Library of Congress Classification and how to read call numbers.

An example call number: PR9265.9.J358 B75 2014

Catalog
Alt Names: Library catalog

A list of all of the books, media, maps, journals, and documents that we have in our collection.

Access to the UA Libraries catalog.

 

Collection

Refers mainly to the location of an item but also can tell you whether or not you may check it out. There are several main collections: Course Reserves, Curriculum, General Collections, Government Documents, Media, Online, Periodicals, Reference, Special Collections. Periodicals, Reference, and Special Collections materials may not leave the building.

Course reserves
Alt Names: Course Materials

Books and other materials held at the library by instructors for students to use in their courses. These items can usually be checked out for a short time period. 

For more information on Course reserves. 

D

Database

Similar to a search engine (like Google) but in our case, they are mostly for academic resources. Databases may contain full text articles, summaries or abstracts, citations, e-books, music, and videos. 

Databases can be interdisciplinary (spanning several disciplines, e.g. Academic Search Complete) or subject-specific (focusing on a particular discipline, such as history, psychology, or literature, e.g. APA PsychINFO). 

UA Libraries subscribes to several research databases that contain journal, magazine, and newspaper articles on general and specific disciplines, as well as access to e-books and video streaming.
 

Click here to see the popular Databases at UA. 

F

Full Text
Alt Names: Full-Text

The entirety of an article, rather than just a summary or abstract.

I

Interlibrary Loan
Alt Names: ILL

Borrowing materials from another library that are not available - checked out, lost or missing from our collection. This option should be sought after checking the UA Libraries catalog, OhioLINK, and SearchOhio first.

For more information or to make an ILL request.

J

Journal

A periodical containing articles and current information on research and development in a particular area of study. Journals may be more like a magazine, or they may be academic in nature. 

 

L

Learning Studio

The Bierce Library Learning Studios are identified as rooms 61, 154, 274, and 279. These flexible, wireless, technology rich spaces effectively support instructor-led classroom activities and informal, student-initiated learning activities.

Click here to schedule a Learning Studio.

M

MakerStudio
Alt Names: Makerspace

Has 3D printers, a poster printer, button makers, crafting equipment and design tools to meet all of your creative needs. There is no charge for faculty, staff, or students to utilize the equipment and resources provided by the MakerStudio for academic projects. 

For more information on the MakerStudio.

Microformat

Some items in the library collections are in the form of microformats. Microfiche (4 by 6 inch cards) or Microfilm (a roll of film). You will need to use the special microformat machines in order to access them. 

 

O

OhioLINK

 A group of academic libraries in Ohio that work together to share resources and negotiate lower prices for electronic resources.

Learn more about OhioLINK

The OhioLINK library catalog allows you to search for and request books, journals, and other items in academic libraries across Ohio.

Access to the OhioLINK catalog.

P

Paywall

A system where access to something is restricted to those with paid subscriptions or by paying a one-time fee. If you are searching online, let's say in Google Scholar, for an article to use for an assignment, you may come across a paywall. 

It is best to start your search using ZipSearch to avoid this.

Peer-reviewed
Alt Names: Refereed

Journals that contain articles by researchers and experts that have gone through a review process before being published.

 

Periodical

An item published at regular intervals, such as a magazine, journal, or newspaper.

S

SearchOhio

A group of public libraries in Ohio that share library materials with one another. UA students, staff, and faculty have access to SearchOhio library materials.

Access to the SearchOhio catalog.

Z

ZipSearch

The University of Akron Libraries' search engine (like Google) for finding print and audio resources like scholarly articles, books, videos, and more.

ZipSearch is the default search selection on the UA Libraries homepage. If you are beginning research, you will want to start your search using ZipSearch.

Here is a ZipSearch guide with more information and video tutorials on how to use its functions.

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