AAA Library Student Training Guides: Essential Job Duties

Ask-A-Librarian

Ask a Librarian allows library users to ask questions through email or live chat instead of visiting the library reference desk to ask in person. Also referred to as online, digital, or electronic reference.

barcode
Printed label containing machine-readable data in the form of vertical lines or bars. Used to identify books and other materials in the library; read by a scanner when item is checked out. Also the number found on one's campus ID card.

call number
An alpha numeric code that appears on a book or other item to indicate where it should be found on the shelves.

catalog
Online database with detailed descriptions and location information for materials in a library collection. 

check out
Borrow materials from a library for a fixed period of time. Loan periods, borrowing limits, and renewal policies vary depending upon the status of the borrower (faculty, graduate student, undergraduate, etc.) and / or the type of item.

circulation desk (Front Desk)
The service desk near the main entrance where you can check out, return, or renew library materials and get other types of assistance; currently referred to as the Front Desk.

coin op

The color printer coin machine.

course reserves
Reserves are course-related materials made available, either electronically or physically, through the Cannon Library. Items that may be on reserve for a class include images, audio files, journal articles, videos, book chapters, course readers, etc. Reserves may only be used within the library.

database
A collection of related data (articles or other materials) organized for online access.

e-book
Also known as an electronic book, it is a book publication made available in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, readable on the flat-panel display of computers or other electronic devices. Available through the library catalog and through subscription services made available by the Library.

hold
A hold is a request to have a book, journal, or other material delivered to the library for your use. The item is placed on the hold shelf near the Front Desk for a limited time for pickup. Holds can generally be placed on circulating library materials.

interlibrary loan (ILL)
Library service whereby students, faculty, and staff may request to borrow materials from another library if the item is not owned by Cannon Memorial Library.

LibGuides
Research assistance, subject guides, and useful resources compiled by librarians to assist with particular classes, subjects, and resources.

library card
Your Saint Leo ID card serves as your library card. Always have your ID card available for checkout of library materials. 

loan period
Amount of time library materials may be borrowed (checked out); varies depending on type of material borrowed and the borrower's status (student, faculty, staff). 

patron
Term often used for a library user.

renew
Extend the checkout period of library material; multiple renewals are generally permitted for Cannon Library material unless another user has requested the item.

reserves
Reserves are course-related materials made available, either electronically or physically, through the Cannon Memorial Library. Items that may be on reserve for a class include images, audio files, journal articles, videos, book chapters, course readers, etc. Restrictions on use of reserve materials vary. 

stacks
Area of shelving in a library where books and periodicals are stored.