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Library Lingo

This page lists common terms, acronyms, and phrases used by libraries and librarians.

E

Ebook

An ebook (also: eBook, e-book), sometimes called an electronic book, is an electronic (digital or online) equivalent of a conventional printed book.

Encomium

A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly.

Encyclopedia

General information source that provides articles on various branches of knowledge. Encyclopedias may be general or subject specific.

Epigraph

A short quotation or saying at the beginning of a book or chapter, intended to suggest its theme.

EPUB

EPUB (short for electronic publication; sometimes styled ePub) is a free and open e-book standard by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF). Files have the extension .epub. EPUB is designed for reflowable content, meaning that an EPUB reader can optimize text for a particular display device.

Ereaders

Handheld devices on which electronic versions of books, newspapers, magazines, etc., can be read

Export

To pull data from a program (like a library catalog or research database) and save it into a data file.

Express Collection

A collection of library materials (specific books and videotapes, etc.) which are in great demand and customers cannot place hold on these materials. These materials are kept in a certain area in the library to use which assures access to all customers who might need the materials.