The words and, or, and not; used to define
the relationship between keywords.
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screen.
Computer software application which allows
a person to view information on the World Wide Web.
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screen.
A combination of letters and/or numbers unique
to each item in a library which indicates its location on a shelf. Use
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catalog
A database in which
each record represents a book, video or other item owned
by a library. Each record describes an item by giving
its title, author's name, publication information, location in the library,
and a list of topics covered by the item. Use
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CD-ROM LAN
A local area network where CD-ROMs are shared
between computers. Use the "Back" button at the
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A reference to a document giving identification
of the document. Usually includes author, title of the work and the source
where it is published. Also known as a bibliographic reference. Use
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screen.
The part of the computer where the central
processing unit and the computer system's memory are located. This is the
system's brain; where its activity takes place. Use
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screen.
Lists of words specificed as appropriate
words or phrases to describe particular topics and which are assigned to database
records. In catalogs these are called subject headings;
in indexes they are called descriptors. Use
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A collection of information which is stored
and retrieved electronically, usually in a networked environment. Indexes and catalogs are examples of how libraries use databases. Use the "Back" button at the top of your screen to return to the
previous screen.
The basic unit of
computer storage and retrieval. A document can also be called a file, a page
(on the World Wide Web), or a record (in a database). It is roughly equivalent
to one screen on the monitor, but is often larger than what can be viewed
on the screen at one time requiring the viewer to scroll in order to view
the entire document. Use the "Back" button at
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F
false drop
An item retrieved in
a database search because its title or abstract contains the search terms,
but whose subject matter does not match the topic for which the researcher
is looking. Use the "Back" button at
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A database containing
the entire text of indexed articles in addition to citations
and abstracts. Use the
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screen.
The items (books,
periodicals, videorecordings, etc.) owned by a library. Use
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The page of a web site meant to be viewed
first. It can be compared to the cover, the title page or the table of contents
in a book. Use the "Back" button at
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Text in a document
that has a link to a word in another document. Hypertext links are the primary
way that people move from one site to another. Use
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screen.
I
index
A database in which
each record represents a periodical
article or other document. Each record describes an
article by giving its title, author's name, publication information, and a
list of topics covered by the article. Use the
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input device
A piece of equipment used to enter information into a computer.
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previous screen.
interface
The part of a database which gives it its appearance. This
includes graphics, search commands, instructions and tips to the user, as
well as the fields available for searching and the search engine. Use
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screen.
intellectual property
Any original, creative work which may be protected by Federal
copyright, patent, or trademark law for the owner's exclusive economic gain.
Trade secrets are another form of intellectual
property legislated by the state governments. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
Internet
Electronic network of computers around the world which
share protocols that allow them to communicate and share information with
each other. Use the "Back" button at the top of your screen
to return to the previous screen.
K
keywords
Searchable terms found in the text of a database record.
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previous screen.
L
license
A legal contract between a database vendor and subscriber
which dictates the terms under which the subscriber may use a particular online
database. Use the "Back" button at the top of your screen
to return to the previous screen.
M
menu
A list of commands which can be executed from the screen
currently in view. Use the "Back" button at the top of your
screen to return to the previous screen.
N
nested search
Advanced search technique using parentheses and Boolean
Operators to organize keywords by concepts. The keywords for each concept
are combined using "or" and placed inside a set of parentheses.
The sets of parentheses are then combined using "and". Use
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screen.
O
online
Refers to an active connection to the Internet.
This adjective describes electronic books, encyclopedias,
journals and other resources which may be accessed electronically through
a computer which is connected to the Internet.
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previous screen.
output device
A piece of equipment which makes information stored in
the computer visible to the human eye. Use the "Back" button
at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
P
patent
Exclusive right granted by the Federal government which
allows inventors to profit from their inventions for twenty years from the
date of application. Use the "Back" button at the top of
your screen to return to the previous screen.
periodical
A publication issued at regular intervals. Magazines, newspaper,
and professional journals are all types of periodicals. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
public domain
A collection of works which are no longer restricted by
copyright. In general 50 years after an author has died, his or her work enters
the public domain and may be copied and resold without the restrictions imposed
by copyright. Use the "Back" button at the top of your screen
to return to the previous screen.
R
record
A unit of information in a database.
In a library catalog, each record represents a book
or other item owned by the library. In an address database, each record represents
a person or organization. Use the "Back" button at the top
of your screen to return to the previous screen.
S
search engine
Databases which allow the user
to search the World Wide Web by keyword. Search engine interfaces are usually
simpler than those used by proprietary online databases. Little selectivity
is used since most search engines are attempting to index all web pages.
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previous screen.
search string
The combination of search terms, Boolean operators, truncation
symbols and fields used to search an electronic database. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
server
A computer which provides a specific service for network
users. For example, a Web server stores files containing Web pages.
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previous screen.
stop words
Commonly used, short undescriptive words, such as articles
and prepositions, for which a database will not perform a search. Use
the "Back" button at the top of your screen to return to the previous
screen.
subject headings
Lists of words designated as appropriate words or phrases
to describe particular topics and which are assigned to library catalog records.
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previous screen.
T
thumbnail
A small image which is linked to a larger image of the
same picture or to a new page of information. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
toolbar
Buttons at the top of the screen which provide shortcuts
to the commands available on a particular screen. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
trade secret
A formula, pattern, devices or compilation of intellectual
property which is used in business to gain an advantage over a competitor.
Trade secrets are not protected by Federal law, but may be by State law.
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previous screen.
truncation
Computer search method where all the variations of a word
are searched for by attaching a truncation symbol to the root word.
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previous screen.
U
Uniform Resource Locator (URL)
A Web page's unique address. In Netscape Navigator the
URL can be typed in the Location box to go directly to a known Web page.
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previous screen.
W
web page
A computer document or file posted on the World Wide Web.
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previous screen.
web site
A group of web pages linked together, usually sharing the
same domain name, and meant to be viewed together. Use the "Back"
button at the top of your screen to return to the previous screen.
World Wide Web (WWW or Web)
Method of accessing the Internet which uses hypertext to
move from one point to another. The Web can also include images, video and
audio clips. Use the "Back" button at the top of your screen
to return to the previous screen.
