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Library Lingo

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

F

Fiction

Literature in the form of prose, especially short stories and novels, that describes imaginary events and people.

Filters

In database searching, filters work like limits to a search, but are used to narrow a results list by specifying ranges (like dates) or types of data (journal, book, newspaper) to include or exclude.

Fines

The amount of money which is owed by the borrower if materials are not returned on time

Format

The physical form in which information appears.

Full text

A database or resource that provides access to the complete text of item. In a full text periodical database, both the citations and the articles themselves are available, such as: Academic Search Complete.