7 Library Lingo (or how to talk like a librarian)

Libraries have their own language, and understanding a few key terms can help you find what you need faster and make the most of our resources. This quick glossary breaks down common library terms you’ll come across during your time here.

Abstract – A short summary of a book or article.

Academic Integrity – Academic integrity describes the practice of making ethical choices in your work. It involves a commitment to honesty, trust, fairness and responsibility. CBU students demonstrate academic integrity by earning their grades through hard work and dedication, and by refraining from cheating of any kind.

Barcode – A barcode is a 14-digit number found on the back of a book or item. You can also find a barcode on the back of your CBU student ID card.

Bibliography or Reference List – A list of books, articles, or other sources you used in your assignment, research paper, or project.

Book– A print monograph.

Call Number – A call number shows where a book or item is located in the library, like its address. Every item has a unique call number. Books on similar topics are grouped together, so you can find related books nearby.

Catalogue or Novanet Catalogue – This is an online tool that helps you find books and other items in the CBU Library and in other libraries that work together with us. You can use it to search for what you need.

Circulation or Circulation Desk – This is the main desk in the library where you can: sign up for a library card, borrow and return books and other items, find special items like reserve books, laptops, calculators, and phone chargers. Staff at the desk can help you with questions and show you around the library.

Database(s) – A collection of related records that are stored electronically. Databases can be accessed via our database list.

Due Date – This is the date by which you must return a borrowed item to the library. When you borrow something, you’ll find the due date on a slip inside the item and you’ll also get an email reminding you when it’s due back.

E-Book(s) – An e-book is the digital version of a regular book. You can find and read e-books using our library catalogue or databases on our website.

Full-text – This means you can read the entire book or article online, from start to finish.

Hold – If a book or item is already borrowed by someone else, you can place a hold on it. This means you will be next in line to borrow it when it comes back. When the item is returned, the library will send you an email so you can come and borrow it.

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) – A special number given to a book by the publisher, kind of like a book’s ID number.

Journal – A magazine or publication that comes out regularly and has articles and research on different topics.

Novanet – Novanet is a group of academic libraries in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick. These libraries share a catalog and a service (Novanet Express) that helps deliver documents quickly.

Novanet Express – A service that lets you borrow books, journals, and other items from academic libraries in Nova Scotia and one in New Brunswick.

Novanet Live Help or Live Help – Live Help is an online chat service from Novanet libraries. It helps answer quick questions using online resources. You can access it here.

Open Access – Books and articles that are free to read online.

Open Educational Resources (OER) – Teaching and learning materials that are free to use and share. These resources are either in the public domain or have licenses that allow people to reuse and change them.

Overdue – Library items are overdue if they are not returned by the due date and time.

Peer Reviewed – Articles in a publication are checked and reviewed by experts in the subject before being published.

Reference Desk – The desk where librarians and staff help you find your way around the library and its resources. They can also assist with research.

Stacks – The stacks are the part of the library which houses the physical collection. This is where you will find books, journals, CD’s, etc. The stacks are located on the second floor of the library.

Scholarly Publication – An article written by experts that shares new research or analysis. These articles are often reviewed by other experts before being published.

Subject Guide – Web pages created by librarians that focus on specific topics. They help you find relevant books, journals, databases, and other resources for your course or program.

Stacks – The area of the library where you can find books, journals, CDs, and other physical items. The stacks are located on the second floor of the library.

Thesis – A thesis is an extensive scholarly essay, submitted as part of the requirements for an advanced degree. CBU student theses are stored in our institutional repository, CBU Scholar.

Still have questions or confused about library terms?

Visit the complete library glossary on our website:

https://libguides.cbu.ca/libraryglossary