Glossary of Terms

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Scholarly:

Scholarly journals contain articles that are in-depth and well researched. The articles have often gone through a peer-review process.



Scope:

Refers to what topics, resources, or time periods an information resource includes or excludes from its coverage. For example, Encyclopedia Britannica covers a broad range of topics, while Gale Business Resources focuses on information about companies.



Search:

It is possible to construct a search using different combinations of keywords or subject headings. Searches are done on the Library Catalogue, databases or internet search engines. The terms that are selected and the way they are connected (Boolean logic) comprise a search.



Search Central:

A federated search engine which allows you in a single search, to search across the UWS Library catalogue and databases to which the library subscribes.





Search Engine:

A tool (software interface) for searching for information on the Internet or databases using keywords eg Google. Each search engine is different. Each one has different requirements for constructing a keyword or Boolean search.



Search Strategy:

A plan for conducting a search on an information resource. In order to maximize search results a plan should be developed before searching that includes main concepts, keywords and synonyms, different Boolean combinations of these and date ranges. It is advisable to replicate a search on more than one information resource to get adequate coverage of the area.



Secondary sources:

Secondary sources analyse and interpret primary sources (original materials, documented and reported on around the time of an event). They provide commentary and discussion of the primary source. For example

Service Desk:

The main desk of the Library where assistance can be requested. If you are having trouble finding items in the catalogue, using a database, borrowing an item or any other type of query ask at the service desk. Requested items are also held at the service desk for collection.



Sorting Shelves:

The place where items go when they are returned but not yet re-shelved into the main collection. If an item has a catalogue entry that says 'check shelves' but is not in the collection always check the sorting shelves as well.



Style Manuals:

Publications listing and describing strict guidelines for writing research articles, essays, and bibliographies. Many professional fields have their own style manuals. Style manuals are important because they ensure consistency among publications. The Library provides access to short style guides on its homepage. (Link http

Subject Heading:

Precisely defined terms and phrases assigned to materials in a catalogue or database. When the relevant subject heading is searched, all the materials relevant to that subject will be located. There may also be subdivisions of the subject heading and cross references to other related subject headings.



Synonyms:

Words which have the same or similar meaning to another word