School Library Handbook

Handbook Table of Contents

(revised July 2001)

Accession Number:

A unique number assigned to each item as it is received in the library. It is taken from the line on which the item is recorded in the accession book (see the sample page of an accession book available online). The accession number is also marked on the item and the shelf list card. The accession number serves to uniquely identify each item in the library. In an automated system, a barcode number is used in place of an accession number.

Added Entry Card:

Refers to all cards in the card catalog other than the author, title, and subject cards. Examples of added entry cards are series titles, illustrators, and co-authors. Added entries are preceded by a Roman numeral in the tracings at the bottom of a catalog card. (Sample copies of all types of catalog cards are available online. See the link at bottom of the Handbook Table of Contents.)

Analytic Card:

A type of added entry card used to analyze the contents or identify the individual components of an item. For example, a book containing a collection of short stories might have a title analytic card for each story in the collection. Other books might have author or subject analytic cards. (Sample copies of all types of catalog cards are available online. See the link at bottom of the Handbook Table of Contents.)

Author Card:

A card in the card catalog with the name of the author on the top line.

Automated:

Refers to circulation records and catalog records stored in a computer database.

Barcode:

Used in automated library systems, this is a number in machine-readable format that appears on a label attached to each book. It uniquely identifies each library item, and is equivalent to an accession number in a non-automated library.

Bibliography:

A list of resources.

Book Card / Media Card:

A card kept in a pocket attached to the library material (book, AV, periodical, etc.). On the card, the date and borrower’s name and room number are recorded at the material is checked out. In an automated system, this is accomplished by giving the item a barcode label and checking the item out in the system.

Call Number:

The number or letters assigned to an item to identify its location.

Card Catalog:

An index to a library’s collection.

Catalog Card:

Any card in the card catalog.

CD-ROM:

Stands for “compact disc read only memory.”

Charging Tray:

A tray used to hold cards from checked out items.

Circulation:

The movement and use of materials in and out of the library.

Classification:

System of organizing materials according to subject and format.

Clerical Staff:

Paid paraprofessional or nonprofessional workers.

Consideration File:

A file of materials to be considered for purchase.

Cross Reference:

Entry in a catalog which refers the user to another reference.

Dewey Decimal Classification:

A system of classification used in most school libraries. It divides knowledge into ten main classes which are further subdivided.

DVD:

Stands for “digital video disc” or digital versatile disc.”

Format:

The physical appearance of material or the way that the material is arranged.

Guide Cards:

Raised cards in the card catalog that are labeled to help indicate the arrangement of cards in the catalog.

Inventory:

An accounting procedure by which holdings are checked, accurately listed, and analyzed.

ISBN: International Standard Book Number.

A 10-digit number assigned by a publisher to each newly published book. Usually appears on the reverse side of a book’s title page and also on the back cover of a book.

Librarian:

In this Handbook, a librarian refers to a Pennsylvania State Certified School Librarian.

Library Aides:

Anyone who assists a librarian in the library (LIMA, clerical staff, volunteers, etc.).

LIMA: Library Instructional Materials Assistant.

The is the School District’s job title for an appointed paraprofessional who is responsible for the housekeeping, clerical, and mechanical maintenance of the library.

Main Entry Card:

The author card is usually the “main entry” for an item. When an item does not have a specific author, the title becomes the main entry.

Media:

Any form of communication (books, magazines, electronic materials and services, videos, etc.).

Microform:

Any type of media which carries small microphotographic materials.

Ownership Stamp:

A stamp with the name and address of a school.

Periodicals:

Any media that is printed at regular intervals of time.

Pocket:

A pocket attached to a library book or other item into which a book or media card is placed.

Realia:

Three-dimensional objects such as models, sculptures, and puzzles.

Reference Collection:

A special collection in the library of readily accessible, current, factual materials that are usually not checked out.

Reserve Collection:

Materials set aside at a teacher’s request for use by students on a particular subject.

Shelf Labels:

Labels that serve as a guide to the books arranged on the shelves.

Shelf-list Catalog:

A file of cards arranged in call number order that should match the order of items on the shelves. The shelf list catalog serves as a record of all materials in the library.

Slipping:

Putting the proper card back into the pocket when borrowed material has been returned.

Spine:

The part of the book’s cover that faces the reader when the book is on the shelf. The call number is on the spine.

Subject Card:

A card in the card catalog with a subject heading on the top line, usually in capital letters.

Subject Headings:

Standardized terms used to provide subject access to library materials. Most school libraries traditionally have used the Sears List of Subject Heading as a standard. Automated libraries often use the Library of Congress Childrens Subject Headings.

Title Card:

A card in the card catalog with a title on the top line.

Tracings:

Information that appears at bottom of a catalog card which identifies all cards that have been filed into the catalog for a particular item. There are two kinds of tracings: subject tracings which are preceded by Arabic numbers, and added entry tracings (such as an illustrator) which are preceded by Roman numerals.

Vertical File:

A file of relevant pamphlets and unbound printed material, arranged in alphabetical order by subject.

Volunteers:

Unpaid student, parent and community workers who wish to make a worthwhile contribution to society. Volunteers cannot replace paid professional and paraprofessional staff, but are essential in the daily operation of a school library.

Weeding:

Eliminating items from the collection.