Reference Collection Development Guideline

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8. Definitions


eResource (Electronic resource)

Refers to either a collection of items contained within a subscription or online database, or to items that have been digitised. Electronic resources are often presented as collections of resources around a single theme or format eg eBooks and eAudio, newspapers, family history resources, car manuals etc.   

Format

The physical or digital makeup of an item. Formats may include books, serials, maps, pictures, microform, computer file, DVD and CD.

Holds 

The process where a client places a reserve on an item through the library management system.  The item is then sent to the requesting client’s library for collection once it is available. 

Item

Any title, regardless of format

Inter-library loan

A service whereby a member of one library can borrow books and/or receive photocopies of documents that are owned by another library.

Intra-library loan

A service whereby a member of any library within the Libraries Tasmania Network can borrow reference items owned by another Libraries Tasmania library.

Local Studies

Local Studies collection provide access for the community to materials of local interest and relevance.  They collect and preserve historical and contemporary material related to the local area or region served by the particular library.

LOTE

Languages Other Than English.

Materials

Any works or items.

Monograph

A book, pamphlet or document that is complete in itself, on a particular subject, that is not serialised.

Pamphlets

Books that are less than fifty pages and not spiral bound.

Reference item

A published work, database or online resource which is consulted for authoritative information. Reference items, including books are designed to be consulted for quick facts, learned opinion and cultural information.

Resources

Library resources can be in many formats, physical or digital, including books, databases, maps, microform and newspapers, and are used for accessing and sharing information.

Serial

A serial is a publication which is produced in parts at regular or irregular intervals. A serial usually has sequential numbering and regular features or themes.  Serials include magazines, newsletters, newspapers, annuals (such as reports, yearbooks, and directories), journals, memoirs, proceedings, transactions of societies and numbered series.

Stack Collection

A book stack is a book storage area as opposed to a book browsing area.  Collections of less popular items can be stored off site and made accessible to clients via staff retrieival or the holds service.

Works

A ‘work’ may be a monograph, pamphlet, newspaper, map or ephemera. It may refer to a single book or resource or it may be used to describe the total output of an individual for example ‘the works of Richard Flanagan’.