Glossary

Cheating on assignments, tests, or other academic endeavors, such as committing Plagiarism, either purposefully or by accident.

Committing Plagiarism without intending to, by incorrectly or incompletely Citing a source, failing to credit another’s work by Attribution, using another’s words without Quoting them, and the like.

A type of Reference Source, usually in a single volume, which collects facts and data such as statistics.

A well-known and respected professional organization representing psychologists and psychological research in the United States, whose purpose is to create, communicate, and apply psychological knowledge for the benefit of society.

A Boolean Operator used to combine Keywords into Search Statements, limiting search results to only items including all of the specified search terms.

Physical things that people use for research, including fossils, furniture, coins, plant or animal specimens, tools, clothing, works of art or architecture , or musical instruments; considered a Short Format of information.

A type of Reference Source, usually in a single volume, containing maps and geographical information, including countries, cities, borders, and roads, but also maps that show topography, bodies of water, climate, crops, population, and so on.

Giving credit to the creator or copyright holder of a work whose information you used in your own work, generally by including an In-Text Citation or Parenthetical Citation.

One of the Formats of Information, which includes audio, such as songs, jingles, or radio; visual, such as infographics, charts, or diagrams; and a combination of the two, such as documentaries, videos, and video games.

One of the criteria used in the Evaluation of Information, which considers the qualifications of the author to write with Credibility on the topic in question; these may include academic credentials, extensive work experience, or other considerations.

A preconceived opinion in favor of or against a thing, person, group, etc. which may lead to partiality in information sources. Types of bias include Funding Bias, Media Bias, and Selection Bias.

A type of Reference Source comprised of a list or lists of works on a specific topic, by a specific author, or printed by a specific publisher. May also be used to refer to the list of works used in a journal article or book, also called the "References" or "Works Cited."

A type of Reference Source providing information about the lives of people.

A regularly updated website or web page written in an informal or conversational style, usually by one person or a small group of contributors; short for “Web Log.” One of the Long Formats of information.

Traditionally a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together along one side and bound in covers, also available in audio, electronic, and braille formats, making it both a Multi-Format Information source and one of the Long Formats of information.

Simple words (AND, OR, and NOT) used to combine or exclude Keywords in a Search Statement, resulting in more focused and productive search results.

A pamphlet or booklet, particularly one containing descriptive information and pictures of a product or service. One of the Long Formats of information.

A symbol or code on an item, such as a book, that indicates its location in the library, and is often incorporated in the items catalog record.

An indicator, formatted according to a consistent style (such as MLA or APA), that material used in a work is originally from another source, usually included in the text and/or in a list appended to the work.

Giving credit to authors of whose works are used to inform new works, often by Summarizing, Paraphrasing, or Quoting, and providing Attribution, thereby informing readers of where the information came from.

A hierarchical structure that forms the basis for the organization of a collection, particularly a library, including Library of Congress Classification, Dewey Decimal Classification, and Superintendent of Documents Classification.

Information that is generally known and accepted, i.e., a dropped object will fall; one culture’s generally known information may differ from another’s, such as common children’s rhymes.

A type of Reference Source providing alphabetical listings of keywords or phrases found in the work of an author or works in a collection of writings.

The research reports or papers describing ongoing research that are presented at a conference which are collected and published, usually as a single volume.

An idea or theory composed of several conceptual elements.

The exclusive legal right of the creator of a work, such as a poem, story, video, or song, to print, perform, record, publish, post online, or profit from the work, whether or not the creator has published it, which limits the work’s use by others to activities allowed under Fair Use. In the United States copyright is assigned automatically to all new works, with a few exceptions including facts, statistical data, and government publications, and may be sold, transferred, or modified, by using a Creative Commons or Open Access license. When copyright expires, a work enters the Public Domain.

An alternative to the standard restrictive license accompanying Copyright, increasing the range of activities allowed without requesting permission from the creator, such as modifying or sharing the work; credit must be given to the original creator.

The quality of believability; the ability of an author or work to inspire trust based on the author’s expertise, training, credentials, objectivity, or other factors of Authority. An important consideration in the Evaluation of Information.

The quality of being up-to-date, and a factor to consider in the Evaluation of Information.

A Classification System developed by Melville Dewey in 1876 that uses the numbers 0 through 999 to categorize information, and a decimal followed by additional alphanumeric codes for subcategories; generally used to organize K-12 school library collections and some public library collections.

A type of Reference Source which defines words, illustrates pronunciation, describes etymology (word history or origin) and usage, and lists synonyms and antonyms.

A form of Plagiarism consisting of copying a work exactly or with only minimal changes (i.e., word for word) without properly Quoting the material or Citing the source.

A type of Reference Source that provides lists of contact information for individuals, companies, organizations, and institutions.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves providing References in a work to show a reader where to find the information the author used to create their work; usually includes Attribution and Citing.

A unique string of characters used to identify a specific article, website, or other intellectual property typically published online first or only; short for Digital Object Identifier.

A type of Reference Source that provides information about topics in a comprehensive, but summary fashion, like an overview. They are useful for providing facts and giving a broad survey of a topic, and are often written by specialists.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves the practice of appraising the value of an information source both in its own right and as it relates to your topic, typically by investigating its Authority, Credibility, Currency, Bias, and Documentation.

A limit to the rights granted by Copyright, allowing for the use of a copyrighted work under certain conditions and for certain purposes, referred to as the Four Factors of Fair Use.

Considerations for permissible use of a copyrighted work: (1) the purpose and character of the use, (2) the nature of the copyrighted work to be used, (3) the amount and substantiality of the portion to be used, and (4) the effect of the use on the potential market for the copyrighted work (essentially, the intention to make a profit from the work).

Bias in the research process or in an article reporting on research, usually demonstrated by a skew in results to favor the source of funding for the research, such as a pharmaceutical company.

A type of Reference Source similar to a Dictionary, but providing a list of geographical places rather than vocabulary.

One the most commonly used Web Search Engines, used widely to search for information on millions of topics. Also used as a verb, meaning to use a Web Search Engine to search for information.

A Web Search Engine designed and operated by the Google company to filter general websites out of results, and retrieve scholarly sources such as articles, books, theses, preprints, and technical reports.

A type of Reference Source providing detailed descriptions of places, including maps and geographical facts, generally intended for travelers.

A type of Reference Source providing a short overview of a broad topic, often including directions or examples.

An organization dedicated to the collection, digitization, and preservation of information, much of which was originally print.

A reference within the text of an article, book, etc., generally including author, year, and/or page number information, to indicate to the reader where information was found, which is paired with an entry in a bibliography to make a complete Citation.

A Construct defined by the American Library Association as the skills necessary to know when information is needed, and to find, evaluate, and utilize it effectively.

One of three parts of Michael Buckland’s concept of Information; the information contained in your own mind; what you know.

One of three parts of Michael Buckland’s concept of Information; the information you receive that supports, contradicts, or alters what you know.

One of three parts of Michael Buckland’s concept of Information; a vehicle of information that allows it to be transmitted, such as a document or website.

The practice of behaving ethically in intellectual and academic pursuits, including reporting research results accurately and objectively, documenting information sources thoroughly, and behaving with integrity in classes and on exams.

The rights of the creator or owner of intellectual property, such as a book, to control or profit from it.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves understanding the information need and articulating it in the form of a Research Question or Thesis Statement.

Involving repetition. Utilizing repetition of a sequence of operations, steps, or procedures.

A main idea or important word in a research question or thesis statement; two or more keywords can be combined with Boolean Operators to form the Search Statements used to locate sources in Library Search Tools.

A Library Search Tool where information about the library’s book collection is kept and made searchable, to allow users to discover and locate needed information

An electronic collection of information resources, generally including periodical articles, books, and audio-visual material, to which the library subscribes through the services of database vendors.

The official library serving the United States Congress and the largest library in the world. Also holds the US Copyright Office, and is tasked with collecting and preserving materials pertinent to US history.

The Classification System used by the Library of Congress to catalog and organize the collection, using an alphanumeric code, with letter pairs and a number 0 through 9999, to represent subject areas; also used by many colleges, universities, and other holders of large multi-subject collections.

An electronic search tool, such as a Library Catalog or Library Database, for discovering, locating, and/or accessing print or electronic library materials, similar to a Web Search Engine, but specific to library resources and often proprietary in nature.

Formal and informal learning that occurs throughout life for employment, advancement, and personal fulfillment.

A report evaluating, summarizing, and describing information found in research literature such as articles, books, and reports on a topic one is researching, to provide a basis for and guide future research.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves retrieving information sources discovered through Searching.

One of the Formats of Information, which includes Books, Brochures, Periodicals, Blogs, Wikis, and Websites.

A type of Periodical, containing articles, illustrations, and advertisements, and sometimes covering a particular subject or area such as hobbies, popular culture, or parenting. Typically a Popular Source.

A type of Reference Source providing information about how to do something, such as write a citation or fix a car.

Bias in the research process or information sources, usually demonstrated by Citations that indicate heavy use of media sources that cover only one perspective on an issue. One example is news stories from sensationalist outlets representing views at the far ends of the political spectrum.

A format designed by the Modern Language Association for Citing sources, providing Attribution, and otherwise formatting academic papers and publications.

A well-known and respected professional organization representing language and literature research in the United States, whose purpose is to strengthen the study and teaching of language and literature.

One of the Short Formats of information, also referred to as a Slogan: a brief statement of belief or expectation, sometimes used formally by organizations, groups, or companies.

Information sources that are available in more than one format, such as books that are published in print as well as electronically or as audio books.

Performing a search for information by using standard language, such as a question in your own words, rather than specially formulated Search Statements. Typically useful in Web Search Engines, but not Library Search Tools.

A type of Periodical, containing articles and some photographs and advertisements. Often specific to a city or region; sometimes covering a particular subject or area such as business or finance. Typically a Popular Source.

A Boolean Operator used in Search Statements, limiting search results to only items that do not include the specified search term.

The opposite of Bias; the quality of being impartial or neutral.

A Library Search Tool that provides access to results within the Catalog and many Library Databases.

A movement to counter the for-profit scholarly publishing industry and establish a model of authorship and publication that focuses on dissemination and sharing of information rather than profit, whereby authors pay publishing costs and keep the Copyright for their work, enabling readers to access articles, etc., for free.

A Boolean Operator used to combine Keywords into Search Statements, enclosed in parentheses that will retrieve results including any of the specified search terms, but not necessarily all of the search terms.

Using your own words to restate information from a source, but not necessarily shorten it; paraphrased passages will often be nearly as long as the original passage.

A reference made in parentheses within the text of an article, book, etc., generally including author, year, and/or page number information, to indicate to the reader where information was found, which is paired with an entry in a Bibliography to make a complete Citation.

A process some scholarly articles go through prior to publication, where scholars in that field read and review articles submitted for publication, usually with the option to require edits, approve, or deny publication, and often without knowing the name of the authors.

A single publication with new issues published on a regularly scheduled basis, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly, and generally including Newspapers, Magazines, and Scholarly Journals.

The static web address of an online resource, provided by the database vendor, typically NOT found in the page header, search bar, or at the top of the browser window.

A small group of words standing together to represent a concept or name of a place, person, or thing, such as United States, Rosa Parks, or air conditioner, used in Phrase Searching.

The use of a Phrase in quotation marks as part of a Search Statement to locate information in a Library Search Tool, such as “Great Salt Lake” or “information literacy.”

A form of Academic Dishonesty in which an author uses another’s work in the creation of a new work without giving credit to the original creator, whether by Accidental Plagiarism, Direct Plagiarism, or Self-plagiarism.

An information source intended for the general public, rather than professionals or scholars in a particular field as is the case with Trade Publications and Scholarly Sources; typically written by journalists or other authors who do not provide credentials; generally, they do not include a list of references.

One of the Short Formats of information: a brief message posted by a user on the social media platform, X.

A first-hand account of an event, including historical, current, and research events; may include diaries, reports or articles detailing original research, memoirs, photographs, newspaper articles, television reports, or other sources.

The oldest existing organization with the aim of digitizing books in the Public Domain, or with permission from the holder of the Copyright, and making them freely available to the public.

Items not protected by Copyright, either because copyright has expired, or because they are created in the public domain, such as facts, statistics, and United States Government publications.

Using information from a source without putting it in your own words, but rather copying it word for word and putting it in quotation marks and providing Attribution.

An information source typically used as a starting point for research or to look up facts, definitions, overviews, and other information, including Almanacs, Atlases, Bibliographies, Biographies, Concordances, Dictionaries, Directories, Encyclopedias, Gazetteers, Guidebooks, Handbooks, and Manuals.

The concept of scientific inquiry as a nonlinear and iterative process composed of several components, including Investigate, Search, Locate, Evaluate, Document, and Utilize.

A statement formally articulating an information need in the form of an explicit, detailed question to guide the Research Process; sometimes framed as a Thesis Statement.

A document prepared to describe research, often presented at scholarly conferences, published in Conference Proceedings, or shared in Scholarly Journals.

The system through which scholarly information is created, evaluated, shared, and preserved; referred to as a conversation between scholars for its back-and-forth nature, this system uses formal and informal means to communicate information, such as scholarly journal articles, blog posts, or even student papers.

A type of Periodical containing articles written by experts in specific disciplines, often Peer Reviewed.

An information source intended for researchers and scholars, rather than the general public or professionals as is the case with Popular Sources and Trade Publications; typically written by experts in a field who provide credentials and generally include a list of references.

The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant; in Information Literacy, this refers particularly to the breadth and depth of a research project or information need, an important consideration when thinking about the number and types of resources needed to answer the Research Question or fulfill the information need.

A specially formulated query, which combines Keywords, Phrases, Truncation, and Boolean Operators with specific punctuation, used to locate resources within a Library Search Tool.

Methods used to search for information on a topic in Library Search Tools or Web Search Engines, and to turn a Research Question into a Search Statement.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves discovering information sources to fulfill the information need identified during the Investigation component.

A source which reviews or summarizes information from other sources, or in which authors study and analyze past events they did not experience themselves.

Bias in the research process which occurs when a sample or test population used in a study does not represent the overall population, usually by including or excluding particular participants.

A form of Plagiarism consisting of copying or re-submitting one’s own work without acknowledging it is previous work or obtaining an instructor’s permission to do so, or without properly Quoting the material or Citing the original if the instructor’s permission has been obtained.

One of the Formats of Information, which includes Mottos, Slogans, Tweets, and Artifacts.

A part of an Attribution comprised of a brief introduction to a Summary, Paraphrase, Quote, or other passage including information retrieved from another’s work, which usually includes that author’s name and sometimes the title or description of the work, as well as the year of publication, page number, or both, in parentheses.

One of the Short Formats of information, also referred to as a Motto: a brief statement of belief or expectation, sometimes used formally by organizations, groups, or companies.

Using your own words to restate and condense information from a source; summarized passages will often be shorter than the original passage.

The Classification System used by libraries to catalog and organize documents published by the United States Government, first by the responsible department or agency, then sub-agency, series number, report/series number, and individual report number.

A word or phrase that means the same as another or can take the place of it, sometimes in a particular context; particularly useful when using Keywords to build Search Statements with the Boolean Operator, OR, or when searching for information on a topic which can be referred to in many ways, such as college students (i.e., undergraduates, university students, graduate students) or climate change (i.e., global warming, sea level rise, green energy, renewable energy, CO2, greenhouse gas, carbon footprint).

A detailed, explicit statement formally articulating an information need to guide the Research Process; sometimes framed as a Research Question.

An information source intended for professionals in a particular field, rather than the general public or scholars as is the case with Popular Sources and Scholarly Publications; typically written by practitioners in a field who occasionally provide credentials. May have references or limited bibliography.

A Search Technique for retrieving results for all possible Keywords stemming from a single common root by placing an asterisk () at the end of the common root; for example, medic will retrieve results for medicine, medical, medics, medication, etc

The web address of a Website or Webpage, typically found in the page header, search bar, or at the top of the browser window; short for Uniform Resource Locator.

One of the components of the Research Process, which involves synthesizing what you found and and identifying additional information that may be missing.

An interface for a computer program hosted on a website that indexes information and allows Internet users to search through online content, generally using Natural Language Queries, and which typically returns results that include Websites and Webpages.

One of the Long Formats of information: a part of a larger Website, usually linked to by a menu or table of contents on the main page (or homepage), like a page in a Book.

A collection of information hosted online with a common URL, usually found by searching a Web Search Engine or navigating directly to a known URL, and generally made up of several related Webpages and organized by the inclusion of a menu linking the pages together.

A Long Format of information, created online but similar to an Encyclopedia in format and content (either general or topic-specific) but editable by users.

A Wiki open to and editable by the public, with very broad topic coverage, that can be a useful tool for the beginning stages of the Research Process, such as choosing a topic or finding Keywords, but which is generally not considered to have sufficient Credibility to be used as a source for college-level research