Jargon buster
Libraries are full of jargon! Some of our terminology is explained below. If we've missed a word or phrase that you don't understand, just fill in the Website comments form to let us know, and we'll explain it and add it to the list!
Library words explained
Abstract - a summary covering essential points in an article or book.
Article - a paper published in a periodical or journal. See Finding journal articles.
Athens - a system which controls access to databases and e-journals. See Athens authentication.
Bibliography - A list of books, articles and other materials.
Campus Card (formerly known as the University Access Card) - A plastic card, currently only supplied to students on joining the University. This multi-function card acts as your Library card, an out-of-hours access card to some PC facilities, and may be used by your department or hall for other purposes. For some functions you will need to use your PIN with your card.
Catalogue - A searchable list of a Library’s resources. See also Unicorn and Online Card Catalogue.
Call Number - combination of a subject number and words or letters indicating the shelf location of a book or periodical; eg a book on psychology 150-GAR.
Copyright - protects an author from the illegal reproduction of their work; ie there are legal limits on how much you can photocopy from one book or periodical. See Copyright.
Database - an electronic resource usually giving references to articles, books and other sources of information in a specific subject area. Some offer full-text. See Databases a-z list.
Folio/Middle Folio/Large Folio - large size books and periodicals, shelved separately from ‘normal size’ items.
Holds - reservations on books on loan to other users or requests for books to be brought from another Library site. See Placing a hold using Unicorn.
Journal - a publication issued at regular intervals, usually with volume numbers and dates; also called periodicals, magazines or serials. Shelved separately from books in our Periodical sequences. See Journals and Finding journal articles.
Periodical - see Journal.
PIN - security code to use with your University Access card to access some services. See What is my PIN?
Plug-in points - For connecting your personal laptop to the University Network using an Ethernet Card and cable (available in S@iL, Palmer (Dol•cHeVita) and some teaching rooms on campus) – cable not supplied.
S@iL (Student Access to Independent Learning) - IT facilities located on the 1st Floor of the Library. See S@iL webpages.
Unicorn - The Library’s computerised catalogue. See Unicorn.
University Access Card - see Campus card
University Username - A code supplied when you start at the University to allow you to access University PC facilities, email and network file space.
Wi-Fi - A common term used to describe a Wireless network connection.
Wireless zones - Areas on campus where laptops equipped with Wireless networking (Wi-Fi) can connect to the University network. See the Wireless Zones page for a list of locations.
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