Volumes

Library materials that are part of a single title but have more than one bound item. Larger works such as encyclopedias have more than one volume.

Truncation

If you need to broaden your search in a search engine or database, then you can take off the last part of the word and add a symbol to broaden your results. The computer will find all results that have the word or a word with a different ending. For example: the word read* will find all the words read, reads, reading, reader.

Trace

If you cannot find an item where it supposed to be located. Contact a library staff member and we will put a trace on it and attempt to locate the item.

Thesaurus

A list of terms used to describe the ideas in a particular group of materials. It also offers synonyms for certain terms and alternative words you can use for effective searching of databases.

Subject Heading

A word or phrase that describes the subject of a book or article. A book may have more than one subject heading listed in the library catalog. Our library subject headings are determined by the Library of Congress.

Serial

A publication that has more than one part issued by successive numbers. Some examples include: annual reports, journals, newspapers and magazines.

Search Engine

A program on the internet used to find information using search terms. The most popular one is Google.