Advanced search: a search that requests multiple details regarding the search terms entered and the results desired in order to provide a more narrowed and accurate search. Is generally an option in search databases and engines, but is not the default and must be opted into by the user. In PTCC's catalog, can be activated by clicking the "Advanced Search" to the right of the basic search bar.
Basic search: the default and standard search used in most search databases and engines. Takes the entered search terms literally and as individual words, and does not filter much out from the results.
Boolean terms/operators/logic: the words AND, NOT, and OR (all with capitalization) in a search allow a user to narrow down their search results by including multiple terms, excluding terms, and indicating acceptable substitutions for words; using parentheses, ( and ), can also narrow things down by sectioning off part of the search.
Call number: a specially created identifier for a physical item in a catalog that enables a user to find the item in its location; call numbers and locations are arranged in numeric or alphanumeric order.
Catalog: a specially organized listing of most of the resources a library has access to and that library users can access through the library. Online catalogs are designed to be searchable. PTCC's catalog can be found here.
Database: a curated collection of items (generally online) that requires special permissions (generally gained by subscription) to access. Can be general or based on a specific topic. The list of databases PTCC has access to can be found here.
Interlibrary loan: refers to the ability of libraries that have entered into specific agreements to send each other resources on a temporary basis for patrons who request items to use, and refers to the items in question. Also known as ILL.
Keywords: terms or phrases used in a search for resources.
Known-item search: searching for a specific item that you already know exists.
Search engine: a system that conducts online searches for web-based content, such as Google or Bing. Users may or may not have access to the information in the results, and the results may or may not be reputable or real.
Wiki: a piece and system of online information that is created, sourced, edited, published, and maintained by members of the online community of the wiki in question. Is not limited to Wikipedia.
Additional common vocabulary and definitions can be found here from Washington University in St. Louis and here from the University of Denver.
Page adapted from Pine Technical and Community College.