Library Lingo

Ever feel that the library staff are speaking a different language? We are! Here are the meanings of some common terms used at the library:

ABSTRACT: A brief summary of a book or article.

ALMANAC: A book with lists, charts and tables of factual and statistical information. Example: The World Almanac and Book of Facts.

BARCODE: The 12 digit number that is on the back of your library card and on all library materials.

BIBLIOGRAPHY: A list of books or articles on a specific subject. Sometimes found at the end of a book or an article, and sometimes published separately as a book. If you are writing an essay you will usually be asked to submit a bibliography of the sources you used in researching your topic. More information on writing a bibliography.

BRANCH LIBRARIES, THE: The lending, or circulating collections of The New York Public Library. We are 82 neighborhood libraries in Manhattan, the Bronx, and Staten Island, and four central libraries.

BLOCK: Three or more overdue items, returned mail, or unpaid fines can result in a temporary suspension of library privileges. This is called "a block on your card." Contact any staff member for more information.

CALL NUMBER: This is the number we use to arrange books on a shelf. Matching the call number that is displayed in the catalog to the same number on the spine of a book.

CATALOG: A list of all of the items owned by the Library. The New York Public Library has more than one catalog. Use LEO to find items in The Branch Libraries, CATNYP to find items acquired by The Research Libraries after 1971, and The Dictionary Catalog (or "black book catalog") to find items acquired by The Research Libraries before 1972.

CATNYP: CATalog of the New York Public Library. An online catalog of items acquired after 1971 at The Humanities and Social Sciences Library; The Science, Industry and Business Library; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; and The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. More about CATNYP.

CIRCULATION DESK: A desk or counter at the front of each library where you borrow, renew or return library materials.

DATABASE: Collections of information that are available in electronic form. A database can contain articles, photos, statistics, music, book reviews, and much more. At NYPL we often use the terms database and e-resource interchangeably. Go to the Databases and Indexes Online page.

DICTIONARY CATALOG: The New York Public Library's 800-volume catalog of materials acquired at The Research Libraries before 1972. More about the Dictionary Catalog.

DYNIX: Dynix is the product name for the software that runs our catalog. When we say we are "seaching Dynix" what we mean is we are searching the online catalog.

E-RESOURCES: NYPL's collection of subscription databases. Free to all library cardholders. Go to the Databases and Indexes Online page.

INDEX: A list of articles and/or books, usually arranged by subject, by author, or by title. Also a list found at the back of a book that gives page numbers where a word, subject, or name can be found

INTERLIBRARY LOAN: A service which makes it possible to borrow from another library items which The New York Public Library does not own. Ask for more information about this service at any Reference Desk.

JOURNAL: A publication containing scholarly articles written by experts on current research in a given field. Articles are usually accompanied by an abstract and bibliography.

LEO: LEO = Library Entrance Online. The catalog of the eighty-five Branch Libraries.

MICROFORMS: A copy of a book, manuscript, newspaper or magazine in a much smaller size. Examples of microforms are microfilm, microfiche, and microcard. Generally this is done because the printed copy is in danger of falling apart, the printed copy is out of print, or to save space. Needs a special machine to magnify its contents.

OPAC: OPAC= Online Public Access Catalog. Another term for the library's online catalog.

PAGE: This library employee shelves books and is sometimes available to assist with the computers.

PERIODICAL(S): Fancy name for a magazine, newspaper, or journal that is published on a regular schedule.

PIN NUMBER: A 4 digit number that provides an extra level of security when using your library card to order books, renew items by phone, or look up your personal information in the Catalog. You will be asked to choose a PIN number when you register for your card.

PLACING A HOLD: When an item you want is checked out to another reader, you can "place a hold" on it. This reserves the item for you. When it is returned it will be held for a limited time at the library you designated.

REFERENCE DESK: Desk or counter where you can get help from staff in using the library, locating library materials, searching library databases and answering general questions. Sometimes called the Information Desk.

RESEARCH LIBRARIES, THE: The Research Libraries of The New York Public Library consist of four centers: The Humanities and Social Sciences Library; The Science, Industry, and Business Library; The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts; and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. Materials cannot be borrowed from the Research Libraries.Go to The Research Libraries Home Page

SUBJECT HEADINGS: Words used in library catalogs and in indexes to describe the contents of a book, periodical, article, or other work.

If you need immediate assistance please visit Ask Librarians Online. Other comments or suggestions can be sent to the Office of Information Services via e-mail.