Hello friends, i am sure u may be aware that one of the important website useful to the llibrarians is www.libraryhq.com u find very useful information in this website. for exmple the following thesaurus had been given in the same website. open the website and try to use it and get benefit. laxman rao Library Automation/Technology Glossary (http://www.libraryhq.com/glossary.html) 16-bit Software for MS-DOS or Microsoft Windows originally ran on the 16-bit Intel 8088 and 80286 microprocessors. 32-bit 32-bit programs are written for the Intel 80386 and more recent processors, and allow greater speed of execution. A Access Point A name, term, code, etc., under which a book or other item may be searched and identified in the catalog, for example: author, title, subject, call number. API - Application Programming Interface An interface between the operating system and application programs, which includes the way applications communicate with the operating system, and the services the operating system makes available to programs. Architecture Design, or the way components fit together. It can be used to describe any system, as in "software architecture" or "network architecture". Authentication Verification of identity for security purposes. Passwords and digital signatures are forms of authentication. Authority Control A method to control the number of similar headings (usually subjects or authors) in the library catalog. Multiple entries are cross-referenced to a single entry using authority control. Automation Automatic, as opposed to human, operation or control of a process, equipment or a system; or the techniques and equipment used to achieve this. In libraries, automation refers to the process of automating functions such as circulation, cataloging, or acquisitions. Go to Top B Barcode A printed horizontal strip of vertical bars used for identifying specific items or users. The codes, which represent numerical data, are read by a bar code reader and interpreted via software or hardware decoders. In libraries, barcodes are affixed to both books and library cards to assist in circulation and collection control. Boolean Operators Words such as AND, OR, and NOT used to broaden or narrow a search. For example, cats AND dogs narrows the search to titles about both cats and dogs, while cats OR dogs broadens the search. Browse Searching A feature of a catalog which allows the user to search by the first word in a field, not a word appearing anywhere in the field. Compare to Keyword Searching. Browser See Web Browser Go to Top C CGI Script A computer program, most frequently written in C, Perl, or a shell script, that uses the Common Gateway Interface (CGI) standard to provide an interactive interface between a user or an application and a Web server. CGI script is most commonly used to develop forms that allow users to submit information to a Website. Character Set A standard collection of characters. A character set may include letters, digits, punctuation, control codes, graphics, mathematical symbols, and other signs. Each character in the set is represented by a unique character code, which is a binary number used for storage and transmission. Chat Room An online space where two or more people can input (usually via keyboard) messages to a group of people who are logged in at the same time. Compare to Message Forum Client A computer system or process that requests a service of another computer system or process (see Server). For example, a workstation requesting a file from a server is a client of the file server. Client/Server A common type of distributed system in which software is split between server tasks and client tasks. A client sends requests to a server asking for information or action, and the server responds. There may be either one centralized server or many distributed ones. Codabar A specific type of bar code used in libraries, blood banks, the overnight package delivery industry, and a variety of other information processing applications. It is also known as USD-4, NW-7, and 2 of 7 code. See Barcode. Command Line Interface A means of communication between a program and its user in which commands are input with a keyboard and are interpreted and executed by the program. Results are output as text or graphics on the computer screen. Compare to Graphical User Interface. Cookie Data created on your own computer when you access certain Web pages. Usually the cookie keeps information about your preferences and reuses this information when you access that site again, thus "recognizing" repeat visitors. Cookies cannot be used to access any other data on your computer, nor can they determine your e-mail address or identity. You can set your browser to reject all cookies or to warn you before accepting cookies, but sites that provide personalized services, such as stock trading sites or shopping carts, won't work if you don't accept cookies. Go to Top D Database A structured set of data, generally accessed via a software program. A simple database might be a single file containing many records, each of which contains the same set of fields, such as a series of companies with name, address, phone, and contact fields for each one. Database Management System (DBMS) Complex set of programs that control the organization, storage and retrieval of data for many users. Data is organized in fields, records and files. Examples include Oracle, Sybase, and Datacom. Dedicated Line A permanent connection between computers using telephone, ISDN, or other types of lines. Dialup A temporary, as opposed to dedicated, connection between machines established over a telephone line using modems. A patron might use a dialup connection from home (using a personal computer, modem, and telephone line) to dial into and use the library catalog. Digital Document Books, articles, papers, etc., that can be accessed via a computer. Digital Media Media in various digital forms, including scanned images, audio, video, multimedia, drawings and intelligent documents. Domain Name System (DNS) The unique name of a collection of computers connected to a network such as the Internet. A replicated, distributed data query service for looking up host IP addresses based on host names. The DNS is hierarchical, consisting of domains, subdomains, sites, and hosts. Unique names are formed from smallest to largest, and are of the form user@host.site.subdomain.domain, where host and site are often optional. On the Internet, domain names typically end with a suffix denoting the type of site: .com (commercial) .edu (educational) .net (network operations) .gov(US government) .mil (US military) .org (organization) .us (United States) .ca (Canada) .uk (United Kingdom) .au (Australia .cz (Czech Republic) .xx(where xx refers to another country's two-letter abbreviation) Download To copy a file from an external computer to a local one. You may download software updates from a vendor to your library system via the Internet. Dublin Core A minimal set of metadata elements used to describe networked information resources which aids users in locating specific items. Dumb Terminal An output device (not a computer) that contains no internal microprocessor; a display monitor with no processing capabilities. Go to Top E EAD Encoded Archival Description is the emerging standard for archival finding aids and is used by Library of Congress and other research institutions. Finding aids are inventories, registers, indexes, or guides that provide detailed information about specific collections. Standardizing the format of these tools makes it easier to display them on a network. EDIFACT (ISO 9735) Electronic data interchange (EDI) refers to any electronic commerce standard that defines a protocol for exchange of business data between software applications. EDIFACT (EDI for Administration, Commerce, and Transport) is the international standard for EDI. Encryption The process of scrambling a message so that a key, held only by authorized recipients, is needed to unscramble and read the message. Ethernet Computers on the Internet that use the TCP/IP protocols are frequently connected to the Net over an Ethernet link. Ethernet supports communications at 10 mbps over several types of wiring. An Ethernet card connects an individual computer to a network. Extranet An extended intranet connecting not only internal personnel, but also select customers, suppliers, and strategic partners. Compare to Internet and Intranet. Go to Top F FAQ -- Frequently Asked Questions Web page or text file with common questions about various topics along with the answers. Especially useful for first-time visitors to a site or new participants in a newsgroup or listserv. Filtering software A program to block access to certain Web pages. Depending on the program, it may block certain specified sites, all sites with certain words, or it may use more sophisticated criteria to determine which pages to block. See the LibraryHQ's Internet Filtering and Blocking page. Firewall A gateway used to protect a server or a network from unauthorized access. A firewall generally consists of both hardware and software components. FTP See Protocols Go to Top G Graphical User Interface (GUI) The use of pictures rather than just words to represent the input and output of a program. The program displays icons, buttons, dialog boxes etc. in its windows on the screen; the user controls it by moving a mouse or pointer on the screen, selecting objects by pressing buttons on the mouse. Compare to Command Line Interface. Go to Top H HTML Hypertext Markup Language is the set of codes (or tags) inserted in a file intended for display on a Web browser. The codes tell the Web browser how to display the words and images on the page. HTTP See Protocols Hypertext Text on a Web page that, when clicked on, jumps the reader to another page or image. Go to Top I Integrated Library System (ILS) An automated library system in which all of the functional modules (acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, serials, an OPAC, etc.) are accessible online and share a common machine-readable database. An automated library system is considered integrated only if all library functions are processed against a single, master bibliographic file. Imported/Exported Bibliography Records Because of the standards established for the creation and transferal of library bibliographic records, libraries can exchange records through import and export. Interface In hardware, an interface is a connector used to link devices. In software, it allows communication between two software systems or between people and systems. In the automation field, interface refers to the method by which users can access the automated library system. See Graphical User Interface. Internet A network of networks; a group of networks interconnected via routers. The Internet is the world's largest network. Internet Service Provider A company that provides other companies or individuals with access to, or a presence on, the Internet. Intranet A network of computers and servers accessed via Web browsers, but maintained within an organization or company, and not generally accessible to those outside the organization. ISBN (ISO 2108) International Standard Book Number: a unique numerical 10-digit identifier for a published title. It helps to ensure more efficient ordering, inventory control, and accounting. ISSN (ISO 3297) International Standard Serial Number: identifies serial publications including monographic series. In 1979 the ISSN replaced the ISBN for serials. Go to Top J Java A programming language designed so that its object modules can run on many different platforms. Java is often used to create applets, or Web-based programs that run when a user accesses the page or clicks on a certain area. JavaScript A scripting language used to create scripts, or small programs embedded in Web pages that run when a user accesses the page or clicks on a certain area. Go to Top K Keyword Searching A keyword search looks for specific words or terms that occur anywhere in a field (title, subject, heading, contents, etc.). Keyword searching is useful when you have incomplete information. Compare to Browse Searching. Go to Top L LAN Local Area Network A geographically limited data communications network that connects several computers. Library automation systems require a LAN to enable all users to access the same database. Legacy System An older computer system or program that is still valuable to the user, but may not be compatible with newer systems. Licensing An automation system requires the library to obtain a user license, as with any type of software. Licenses are usually purchased as either a site license, which allows the library to install the automation software on as many computers desired within a single building, or on a per-computer or per-network basis. Listserv A Listserv is a program that automatically redistributes e-mail to names on a mailing list. Users can subscribe, unsubscribe, and send messages to everyone on the list by sending notes to a specific email address. Go to Top M MARC - (Machine-Readable Cataloging) MARC refers to (1) a computer record structure, (2) a set of tags and indicators to identify parts of the record, (3) the level of cataloging information contained in the Library of Congresss MARC records, and (4) the body of records distributed by the Library of Congress MARC Distribution Service. Message Forum Also called a Message Board. An online space where people can leave messages that become visible to anyone who accesses the forum. Compare to Chat Room. Module/Application Module A module is a software segment that performs a specific function, such as acquisitions or circulation. Automation system vendors may sell modules separately, though circulation and cataloging modules are often sold together, with add-on modules as possible extra purchases. Go to Top N NetPC, NetworkPC A computer with minimal memory, disk storage and processor power designed to connect to and work via a network. Network A group of interconnected computers, including the hardware, software, and cabling used to connect them. Newsgroups see Usenet Newsgroups NISO A nonprofit association accredited as a standards developer by the American National Standards Institute, the national clearinghouse for voluntary standards development in the U.S. NISO has developed standards for Information Retrieval (Z39.50), 12083 (an SGML Tool), Z39.2 (Information Interchange Format), Codes for Languages and Countries, and Z39.18 (Scientific and Technical Reports). Go to Top O OPAC Online Public Access Catalog: provides access to the library's holdings via a computer monitor, replacing the traditional card catalog. May also be called a PAC (Public Access Catalog). Operating Systems (OS) The low-level software on a computer that schedules tasks, allocates storage, handles the interface to peripheral hardware, and presents a default interface to the user when no application program is running. Examples: UNIX, Windows98, Windows NT. Go to Top P Protocols Sets of rules or standards that let computers communicate over the Internet. HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) allows transfer of Web pages via a browser. FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows transfer of files through the Internet from one computer to another. Push Technology Internet technology that allows information to be delivered or "pushed" directly to a user who subscribes to it. PointCast, Yahoo, and other services provide news to users who can customize their news reports by selecting topics like sports, world news, and business that are entered into a database. Go to Top Q Query A user's request for information from a database or search engine. A query is a search string entered by a patron when searching for a particular library item or subject in the library's catalog, or OPAC. Go to Top R RDBMS Relational Database Management System. See Relational Database. Record Conversion Record conversion is an aspect of retrospective conversion, in which book records on a tape or disk are converted to MARC format for use in an automation system. Conversion is usually processed by the automation system or by an outside vendor specializing in retrospective conversion. Relational Database A database in the form of tables having rows and columns to show the relationships between items. If data is changed in one table, it will be changed in all related tables. See Database. Remote Access Service allowing users away from the server or network to access these resources from remote locations. Retrospective Conversion Retrospective conversion is the process by which libraries convert a shelflist (such as a card catalog) to a searchable, computerized database. This database can then be used as the backbone of an automation system. Request For Information (RFI) A formal request that a library prepares and sends to vendors for information on their automation systems. Request For Proposal (RFP) A formal open bid document that a library prepares to obtain a customized response from a vendor. Responses may include pricing, enhancements, implementation plan, and timeline. An RFP is usually the precursor to a legal contract between vendor and library. Go to Top S Server A computer that provides some service for other computers connected to it via a network. The library's database containing all book records is located on a server so that several client machines (OPACs) can access the files. See Client/Server. Site Preparation The process of installing wiring, cabling, and other support hardware, in addition to planning the placement of computers, terminals, and networks within the library. System Upgrade A new or better version of hardware or software, or the act of developing or installing a new version. An automation system upgrade might be the change between a command-line based system and a GUI-based or Web-based automation system. Go to Top T TCP/IP Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol, the suite of communications protocols used to connect computers on the Internet. Thin Client A thin client is a machine that only functions when connected to a central server, as compared to a networked PC, which can store and process information on its hard drive. The function of a thin client is to centralize data transmission and storage in a LAN environment. Truncation In searching, truncation means that the system will allow wildcards to extend a search term. For example, a truncated term with a wildcard, such as app*, will retrieve all entries that begin with app, from apples to application. See Wildcard. Turnkey A complete hardware and software computer system customized for a particular application, such as library automation. Turnkey systems are fully operational, requiring no additional components or modifications. Go to Top U Unicode A 16-bit, language-independent character set that enables representation of all of the characters commonly used in information processing. UniMARC An international MARC format that accepts records created in any of the more than 20 MARC formats, thus facilitating conversion of records among them. UNIX Widely used multi-user general-purpose computer operating system. User interface The aspects of a computer system or program that can be perceived by the human user, and the commands and mechanisms used to control its operation and input data. See Graphical User Interface and Command Line Interface. Usenet Newsgroups Usenet is a collection of messages on various subjects that are posted to servers on a worldwide network. Each subject collection is called a newsgroup. Most newsgroups are hosted on Internet-connected servers, but they can also be hosted from servers that are not part of the Internet. URL Uniform Resource Locator: the address a computer uses to locate documents on the Internet. Go to Top V Video Display Unit A device incorporating a display monitor, a keyboard and a serial port. The most common VDUs, "dumb terminals, " are used primarily to send and receive information from a central computer. Virtual Library A virtual (as opposed to physical) collection existing only as digital files accessible via computer, not as books or tangible media in a library building. Go to Top W Web Browser Software program that allows you to access Web pages on the Internet, an Intranet, or an Extranet. The two most popular browsers are Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator. Wide Area Network (WAN) A network, usually constructed with serial lines, extending over distances greater than one mile. A library system may use a WAN to connect branch libraries to the greater automation system. Wildcard A special character such as *, $, or ? that can replace any character or characters in a string. Wildcards are used in catalog searches to extend a search term. See Truncation. WindowsNT Microsoft's 32-bit operating system designed for high-end workstations, servers and corporate networks. Wizard An interactive help utility that guides the user through a potentially complex task. Go to Top X X12 An Electronic Data Interchange standard -- the American equivalent of UN/EDIFACT and various other national and industry EDI messaging protocols. Go to Top Z Z39.20 A NISO (National Information Standards Organization) standard for measuring the extent of price changes on a periodic basis for a variety of library materials including hardcover trade and technical books, paperback books, periodicals, and microforms. Z39.50 A NISO (National Information Standards Organization) standard for information retrieval that allows any library using a Z39.50-compliant automated library system to access remote library collections. Z39.50 specifies a query/response protocol between a client and a server. See LibraryHQ's Z39.50 page. Go to Top ===== Prof.N.LAXMAN RAO, Dept.of Library & Information Science, Osmania University, HYDERABAD- 500 007 (INDIA) President, Indian Association of Teachers in Library and Information Science (IATLIS). Ph:+91-40-27171565 (res): +91-40- 27682290 (off) e:mail-- naglaxman@yahoo.com OR naglaxman@indiatimes.com ________________________________________________________________________ Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Yahoo! Messenger http://mail.messenger.yahoo.co.uk