Lisa's Library Lingo

Many people use a library and don't know some of the basic helpful vocabulary. Since this is a list of my own compilation, I have inserted my own interpretation of some of the definitions. Many of them are based on fact and all are skewed by my opinion!

Library--A magical place that can transport you to places you've never been, don't want to go, can't wait to return to, and is climate controlled. Also known as a place to borrow books, magazines, and other resources. Visit can be used as a resting point during a long day of errands, as a reward for a job well done or even for consolation when something doesn't go right.

Book--An addictive experience that can make the user attempt to freeze time in order to eke out more adventures than one can experience in a single lifetime; also known as a set of bound pages containing information pertinent to particular subjects.

Stacks--The shelves of books that make up the confusing hallways and alleys in the library.

Circulation Desk--The desk, usually situated near the front entrance, where patrons can check out books, return books, pay fines, ask questions, etc. Sometimes call the front desk or the circ (pronounced: \sirk\) desk.

Librarian--1. A person that works at a library. 2. The person the patron believes is the source of all knowledge. 3. The person the patron believes is responsible for all problems, especially those related to books and education. 4. A person with a graduate-level degree in Library (and Information) Sciences.

Reference Desk--The desk that is not the front desk at which library personnel sit, look condescending, and make you feel like an awkward kid because you can't find what you're looking for.

Reference Section--The part of the library that has some of the coolest books but you are unable to check them out because the library doesn't trust you to bring back the medical dictionary without germs, the Encyclopedia of Tattoos without extra ink or the Female Nude: Art, Obscenity, and Sexuality at all.

Collection--The set of books, journals, DVDs, and other things that the library owns.

Plagiarism--The heinous crime of consciously or unconsciously taking credit for an idea other than your own.

Censorship--The controversial act of choosing one book over another based on your own sense of morality and quality. Many people deride it but everyone does it; there is no such thing as unbiased collecting.