Library Jargon - what do these words mean?

Audiovisual

AV items in the library incorporate a large variety of formats such as DVDs, videos, CDs, music scores, microforms, computer software, models and kits.

Bibliography

This is a list of books, journals or online resources that you have used or cited when writing a thesis, essay or assignment.

Call number

This is the library classification number you will find on every item in the library (e.g. on the spine of a book). It is the way you can find items in the library shelves.

Catalogue

This refers to the Library Catalogue which is a register of all the items available through the library. You can search it by various means (author, title, keyword etc.) to find the item you need.

CAVAL

This is a reciprocal borrowing program whereby you are able to borrow from other libraries that are part of the CAVAL scheme.

Citation

This is a reference embedded in the body of your thesis/essay to a source that will be included in your bibliography.

Copyright

This is a form of intellectual property, making sure that the creator of a work is given appropriate credit.

Document delivery

This is a service that obtains copies or loans of items, that La Trobe library does not have, from other libraries. 

Electronic reserve

These are high demand resources that lecturers have indicated will be required by students during the year. The library makes certain items available in electronic format so that they can be accessed online. They can include copies of journal articles or book chapters.

Electronic resource

These are resources that you can access online via a computer. They are available 24/7 and include journals, newspapers, books, videos, images.

EndNote

This is a program to use to manage your bibliographies and references when writing an essay or assignment.

Footnote

This is text that is placed at the bottom of the page in your thesis/essay. You usually use a superscripted number after the text to link to the footnote. These are often used as an alternative to a long explanatory note.

Full text

This indicates that the entire text of a journal article or book is available. It usually relates to online items.

High demand (3 hour loan)

This is a collection of items that lecturers have indicated will be in high demand over the year. They have restrictions on their borrowing periods so that they are more available to all students. 

Holdshelf

When you have asked the library to hold an item for you (see Request a hold), it will be placed on the holdshelf in your campus library where you can collect it.

Keyword

These are words or phrases that you use when searching a database, library Catalogue or the web to find specific content.

Libguides

These are guides developed by faculty librarians to assist you in the use of the library and finding resources for your studies.

My Library

You can login to your library record. You can then view and renew your loans, check on your holds or list your overdue items with fines. You can also start up the Borrowing History option.

MyPrint

This is the university's scanning, print and copy charging system.

Off campus

La Trobe University students that are studying away from campus.

Off shore

La Trobe University students that are studying outside of Australia.

Permalink

Permalink is short for 'permanent link' and provides an easy way to bookmark, or link directly to, a web page. You can quickly and easily copy the web address by right-clicking Permalink, then selecting either Copy shortcut (IE users) or Copy link location (Firefox or Mozilla users).

Reference list

This is a list of books, journals or online resources that you have cited when writing a thesis, essay or assignment.  

Request a hold

If an item is currently unavailable or is located in another campus library, then you can request that item via the Request a Hold button in the Catalogue. The item will then be placed on the holdshelf at your campus for you to collect.

Research Smart

This is a series of seminars offered by the library and the Research Education and Development unit for postgraduate students and researchers.

Subject guide

These are guides developed by faculty librarians to assist you in the use of the library and finding resources for your studies.

Transact

The Transact system has been replaced by "MyPrint" (see above).

Wireless

This is a way that you can connect your laptop to the university network to access online resources and print.

Can’t find the meaning of a word? Ask us and we will post it here.