A - N Library and Information Science Terms

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Abstract

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A summary or brief description of the content of another longer work. An abstract is often provided along with the citation to a work.

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Almanac

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1. A collection, usually annual, of statistics and facts, both current and retrospective. May be broad in geographical and subject coverage, or limited to a particular country or state or to a special subject. 2. An annual containing miscellaneous matter, such as a calendar, a list of astronomical events, planting tables, astrological predictions, and anecdotes.

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Annotation

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1. A note that describes, explains, or evaluates; especially such a note added to an entry in a bibliography, reading list, or catalog. 2. Process of making such notes. Annotation is the end product of making such notes.

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Archives

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1. A space which houses historical or public records. 2. The historical or public records themselves, which are generally non-circulating materials such as collections of personal papers, rare books, ephemera, etc.

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Article

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A brief work—generally between 1 and 35 pages in length—on a topic. Often published as part of a journal, magazine, or newspaper.

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Atlas

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A book or bound collection of maps, illustrations, etc.; Volume of maps, plates, engravings, tables, etc., which may be used to accompany a text; or it may be an independent publication.

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Attachment

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A separate file (e.g., text, spreadsheet, graphic, audio, video) sent with an email message.

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Authentication

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A security process that typically employs usernames and passwords to validate the identity of users before allowing them access to certain information.

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Author

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The person(s) or organization(s) that wrote or compiled a document. Looking for information under its author's name is one option in searching.

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Bibliography

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A list containing citations to the resources used in writing a research paper or other document.