Ask-A-Librarian: University Libraries Internal FAQs

360 Review Type of review that administrative faculty and administrators go through on your 2nd full year.

AAC (Admissions Advisory Committee)

Account Code A code used to identify the transactional activity by type, mainly for reporting purposes. Kind of like accountant hashtags
Ex: an ebook and a physical book can both be purchased with the same fund code (same pot of money), but have two different account codes, one that is for the ebooks and one that is for the physical books.
These are standardized across the USG: https://www.usg.edu/business_procedures_manual/section2/C1078

Acquisitions The process of identifying, selecting, and obtaining materials for a library or organization, from strategic planning and selection to ordering and receiving items.

AEI (Academic Engagement and Instruction)

ALA (American Library Association) The oldest and largest library association in the world, ALA provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library and information services.

Alma Kennesaw State University Libraries’ integrated library system (ILS) used to manage the full lifecycle of library resources, including acquisitions, cataloging, electronic resource management, fulfillment, and analytics. For a more complete glossary of Alma-Specific terms. Click HERE.

API (Application Programming Interface) Allows different software applications to interact with and access data from the library management system.

APLT (Alma-Primo Locate Tool)

ARD (Annual Review Document) Formal documentation used for faculty annual evaluations, including teaching, scholarship, and service activity reports.

Ares e-reserves management system used by academic libraries to handle course reserves.

Banner Enterprise resource planning (ERP) system developed by Ellucian. It is widely used in higher education to manage student information, financial aid, course registration, faculty records, and human resources.

BCOE (Bagwell College of Education)

BIBFRAME (Bibliographic Framework) Linked data model developed by the Library of Congress to replace MARC. USG libraries and GALILEO monitor its adoption as vendors and tools begin transitioning from MARC to BIBFRAME-compatible systems.

Bibliograph Citation management tool that allows students and researchers to collect, organize, and format references.

“Big Deal” A large standardized package of journals or databases for a set price, as opposed to a la carte selection of individual titles.

Boolean Boolean refers to a system of logical operations used in search queries to refine and focus results.(AND, OR, and NOT)

Borrowing request Resource sharing request placed by a local patron(at KSU) and fulfilled by another institution’s resource, otherwise known as a resource sharing outgoing request.

Boundwith When multiple titles (bibliographic records) are physically bound together in a single volume, and they all share one holdings record and barcode because they live on the same item (like three old journals bound into one book).

Brightspace Learning Management System Cloud-based platform for online and blended learning, provides students, faculty, and staff with convenient access to course materials, assignments, and updates.

BrowZine A tablet and web application that organizes scholarly journals into a virtual newsstand, allowing users to browse and read academic content in a mobile-friendly format.

CACM/CoACM (College of Architecture and Construction Management)

CCSE (College of Computing and Software Engineering)

CDA (Chairs and Directors Assembly) Monthly meeting of the university department chairs and directors (leadership)

CETL (Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning) Supports faculty, staff, and students by offering professional development programs focused on teaching, research, and academic success. It promotes evidence-based teaching practices and fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

ChatStaff Program KSU uses to provide 24/7 access help to library patrons

Choreo An analytics tool from OCLC that helps libraries compare their collections against peer institutions to identify strengths or gaps in their holdings.

Classification Web Web-based subscription tool from the Library of Congress that enables librarians to search and assign standard Library of Congress Classification codes and Subject Headings. It serves as a centralized, authoritative database used to organize library collections consistently so that materials on similar topics are grouped together.

CMS (Contract Management System) The system where we submit contracts for the university to review and sign

Collection Intellectual/curatorial grouping of titles in the catalog, regardless of format, used for organizing records.(New items, Local Authors, …etc.)

CONTU (National Commission on New Technological Uses of Copyrighted Works) Tracks requests to ensure we do not borrow more than five articles from the same journal title (published within the last five years) in a single calendar year before paying copyright royalties.

COTA (College of the Arts)

COUNTER (Counting Online Usage of Networked Electronic Resources) Standardized code of practice that ensures libraries receive consistent, credible, and comparable usage statistics from publishers and vendors

Coursepack A collection of readings from a variety of sources, selected by the instructor(s) of an academic course of study to supplement or serve in place of a textbook. The readings are reproduced, usually by a college/university duplicating service or commercial photocopy shop, for sale under a single cover to students enrolled in the course.

CSM (College of Science and Mathematics)

CVF (Competing Values Framework) Organizational leadership model that identifies four core organizational values—Collaborate, Create, Compete, and Control—and is used to evaluate leadership styles, diagnose organizational culture, and guide decision-making and team development.

CZ (Community Zone) A shared space for community cataloging in Alma.

D2L (Desire2Learn) Global educational technology company. It is best known for its Brightspace Learning Management System (LMS)

DCB (Direct Consortial Borrowing) Resource-sharing model that enables patrons at one library to borrow directly from other libraries within a consortium without manual mediation by staff. In the USG context, DCB is a key feature of the new OpenRS (Open Resource Sharing) system

DDA (Demand-Driven Acquisition) A purchasing model used by libraries to acquire digital resources. Libraries provide access to a collection but only pay when certain usage triggers are met, (e.g., multiple chapter views, full-book downloads) items are automatically purchased based on patron demand.

Desk Functional unit within the library system.(Johnson Circulation Desk, Sturgis Circulation Desk, Technical Services Desk…etc.)

Discovery Classes Innovative, zero-credit-hour seminars offered through the KSU Journey Honors College. These classes are designed to provide Honors students with enriching, discussion-based, and experiential learning opportunities that delve into diverse and often unconventional topics.

DOI (Digital Object Identifier) Persistent, unique identifier for a digital object, most commonly used for academic articles and research papers

Double Owl Pathway Allows undergraduate students to begin graduate-level coursework while completing their bachelor’s degree, enabling them to earn both degrees in a shorter timeframe and at a lower cost.

EBA (Evidence-Based Acquisition) A purchasing model used by libraries to acquire digital resources. Libraries pay an upfront fee for access to a large collection of materials for a specific period, at the end of the period, librarians use usage data to select and purchase titles permanently.

EBSCO A company providing library resources/services, including FOLIO implementation.

EBSCOadmin Tool for managing library resources.

EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) (SuperSearch) An integrated search tool for library resources.

EBSCO Experience Manager (EEM) Manages user experiences.

EBSCO Publication Finder Locates journals, magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals.

EBSCO SmartLinks+ Provides direct, one-click access to full-text articles in e-journals and e-packages by using the publisher's direct linking syntax and identifiers.

EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) A standard for the computer-to-computer exchange of business documents, used by libraries to automate ordering and invoicing with book vendors.

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange for Administration, Commerce, and Transport)

EDS (EBSCO Discovery Service)

Electronic Collection Technical e‑resource container that controls activation, linking, and coverage for online packages or databases in Alma/Primo.

Elsevier Publisher of scholarly content; owns Scopus.

EndNote Reference management software tool used by researchers, students, and faculty to manage bibliographies and references when writing academic papers. Integrates with Microsoft Word ("Cite While You Write")

ER&L (Electronic Resources & Libraries) Annual national conference focused on managing electronic resources in libraries. It brings together librarians, vendors, and technologists to discuss e-resource workflows, access, and systems.

ERMS (Electronic Resource Management System) Similar to an ILS but designed to manage e-resources; sometimes integrated into an ILS.

ETL (Extract Transform Load)

E-Verify List of approved vendors from the USG (we can’t buy from them if they don’t go through E-Verify)

EZProxy Software enabling off-campus access to library resources.

FAST (Faceted Application of Subject Terminology) uses a system of nine distinct categories, or "facets," to describe library materials. These facets are derived from the Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) but are broken down into simpler, individual terms to make searching and cataloging more intuitive.

Firm Order eBook Electronic book that a library purchases as a one-time, permanent acquisition, typically selected title by title, rather than through a subscription or package. Once purchased, the library retains ongoing access to the eBook under the terms of the license, often including defined user limits and access conditions.

Fiscal Services (Unit on campus) (https://fiscalservices.kennesaw.edu/)
Vendor Services- makes sure our vendors have their required info and are registered in the USG
Procurement- does all the stuff to make a purchase order
Accounts Payable- sends the money where it needs to go

FOLIO (Future of Libraries is Open) Open-source library services platform.

FOLIO Flower Release Names Aster, Bellis, Clover, Daisy, Edelweiss, Fameflower, Goldenrod, Honeysuckle, Iris, Juniper, Kiwi, Lotus, Morning Glory, Nolana, Orchid, Poppy, Quesnelia, Ramsons, Sunflower, Trillium, Umbrellaleaf, Vetch, Wisteria, Xique xique, Yarrow, Zinnia.

FPA (Faculty Performance Agreement) Document outlining a faculty member’s expected duties for the academic year

FRBR (Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records) A concept in cataloging that describes the relationships between works (Hamlet), expressions (a translation of Hamlet), manifestations (a specific edition of Hamlet), and items (a specific copy of that edition of Hamlet).

FTF (Full Text Finder) See EBSCO Full Text Finder.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) Used for transferring files between systems—like exporting usage statistics, loading MARC records, or integrating vendor-supplied data.

Fulfillment Unit One or more physical locations within an institution that follow the same policies. Fulfillment units have Terms of Use (TOU) which define policies for patrons.

Full Text Finder (FTF) Link resolver for accessing full-text articles and materials.

Fund Codes 5-digit numeric codes used by the USG to indicate different definitions, purposes, and rules. The libraries main fund code is 36100

GALILEO (GeorgiA LIbrary LEarning Online) GALILEO is an online library portal to authoritative, subscription-only information that isn’t available through free search engines or internet directories. Also the name of our Consortium.

GIL (GALILEO Interconnected Libraries) GIL is an extension of the GALILEO initiative, funded by the state of Georgia to enhance and expand educational opportunities for residents. The success that GALILEO has had in leveling information access opportunities for all Georgians extends to University System Libraries through GIL. It provides students, faculty and staff expanded access to information resources from all University System Libraries.” It is the USG Libraries.

GIL Institutions Click for a list of GIL Institutions.

GIL Express Service for borrowing books from other University System of Georgia libraries.

GIL-Find GIL-Find is the University System of Georgia's OPAC, providing access to the catalogs of all participating libraries.

GLA (Georgia Library Association) A professional organization serving librarians and library staff in Georgia, GLA promotes libraries and provides professional development, advocacy, and networking opportunities.

Glossary An alphabetical list of specialized terms and their definitions used within a particular subject, document, field, or other context.

GreenGlass Web-based decision-support tool used by libraries to analyze print collections and make data-driven choices about weeding, moving, or preserving books.

GLRI (GALILEO Local Resources Integration)

GOBI (Global Online Bibliographic Information) Acquisitions platform by EBSCO.

GUGM (GIL Users Group Meeting) An annual conference for library staff across the University System of Georgia (USG) to share updates, training, and best practices related to GIL.

GUGM Website https://gil.usg.edu/conference

HHS (WellStar College of Health and Human Services)

HLM (Holdings & Link Management) EBSCO tool for managing library holdings.

HTTP(Hypertext Transfer Protocol) HTTP defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, allowing users to access and interact with web resources.

IFM (Interlibrary Fee Management) is a feature that allows KSU Libraries to settle borrowing and lending fees through their monthly OCLC invoice instead of processing individual checks or invoices.

ILL (InterLibrary Loan) Service for borrowing materials from other libraries.

ILLiad Software for managing interlibrary loan requests.

ILS (Integrated Library System) Software for library operations. Examples: Alma and FOLIO.

Import Profile is a pre-configured set of rules that automates how bibliographic and inventory data is brought into the system from external sources like vendors or other libraries. It acts as a processing template, defining everything from data normalization and duplicate detection to the automatic creation of purchase orders and holdings.

Information Literacy The ability to find, evaluate, and use information effectively and ethically. It helps students, staff, and faculty navigate research tools, assess sources, and cite correctly.

Instance Record In FOLIO’s Inventory app, the "Instance" is a bibliographic-level record, separate from Holdings and Item records. MARC records can be imported into FOLIO to create Instance records.

Institutional Repository (IR) Collects, preserves, and disseminates digital copies of the intellectual output of an institution, particularly a research institution.

Integration ProfileConfiguration that allows Alma to communicate with external systems, such as campus financial software or student registration databases.

IZ (Institution Zone) Institution-specific cataloging space in Alma.

Johnson Library The Lawrence V. Johnson Library serves as the primary academic hub for KSU’s Marietta campus, specializing in resources for engineering, architecture, and technology.

JSTOR (short for Journal Storage) is a premier digital library that provides academic institutions with access to thousands of scholarly journals, books, and primary sources across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences.

KB (KnowledgeBase) An index of metadata for titles, which the library consults (sometimes automatically) to match with acquired titles.

KBART(Knowledge Bases and Related Tools) A data standard used to ensure that the lists of journals provided by publishers match what is actually available in a library’s link resolver.

LC Call Number An alphanumeric code assigned using the Library of Congress Classification system to organize and locate items on library shelves by subject and author.

LCCN (Library of Congress Control Number) Unique ID assigned by the Library of Congress to bibliographic records. Often used in cataloging, metadata mapping, or BIBFRAME/linked data processes within GALILEO and FOLIO.

LEAP (Library Experience Asynchronous Program) Self-paced, online orientation designed to familiarize students with the university's library resources and services. It's part of KSU's broader library instruction initiative aimed at enhancing students' research skills and academic success.

Lending request Resource sharing request placed by another institution’s patron(not KSU) and fulfilled by a resource of the local institution. Otherwise known as a resource sharing incoming request.

LibAnswers Library-focused centralized knowledge base. This is where the Libraries FAQs and this glossary are located.

LibApps A suite of library management tools from Springshare that integrates services like LibGuides, LibAnswers, LibCal, and LibWizard, providing a centralized platform for library operations and user engagement.

LibCal A library scheduling and event management tool that allows users to book study rooms, schedule appointments, manage event registrations, and track library hours.

LibGuides Web-based content management system used by libraries to create, organize, and share research guides, subject-specific resources, and instructional materials for students and faculty.

Library Refers to a distinct physical branch (e.g., Sturgis or Johnson) that manages its own collections and staff.

LibWizard An interactive form and survey builder for libraries, enabling the creation of quizzes, feedback forms, tutorials, and assessments to enhance user engagement and data collection.

Linked Data Method of structuring and connecting metadata using standard web technologies. In library contexts, it enhances discoverability of resources and supports BIBFRAME integration.

Link Resolver Uses metadata like article title, author, and journal to find and connect users to the best available source, whether it's in a subscribed journal, open access, or interlibrary loan. At KSU, the EBSCO Full Text Finder serves as the library’s link resolver.

List A simple, organized collection of items, names, or data points, usually without additional analysis or context. Lists are typically used for quick reference or inventory purposes.

LOCATE (Library Online CATalog by EBSCO)

Location Sub‑entity of a library where items are stored and that is linked to a Fulfillment Unit to control circulation policies. "S-General" or "J-GovDoc"(“Sturgis General” or “Johnson GovDoc”)

LOOP (Library Online Orientation Program) Live, webinar-style library orientations tailored to specific academic disciplines, such as Business, Science & Math, and the Humanities. Each session lasts approximately 35 minutes and is designed to introduce students to essential library resources, research strategies, and academic support services.

Lost An item that has been loaned out to a patron or student and has been reported as misplaced by the borrower.

LMS/LSP (Library Management/Service Platform) Software for managing library operations.

LMS (Learning Management System)

MARBL (Museums, Archives, Rare Books, Libraries)

MARC(MAchine-Readable Cataloging) Traditional library metadata format

Missing An item that is recorded as on shelf or within the institution but cannot be physically located.

MOBIUS (Missouri Bibliographic Information User System) Consortium of libraries—mainly in Missouri but with partners in other states—that share resources and use a union catalog. Some USG libraries may interact with MOBIUS for interlibrary lending or reciprocal agreements.

Mosaic New ordering platform, built in partnership with libraries and publishers, that leverages modern technology to streamline workflows and make ordering library resources easy and intuitive for all.

MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) Internal legal instrument that formally documents a mutual agreement, goal, or commitment between two or more parties regarding a specific initiative, project, partnership, or planned course of action.

NCIP (NISO (National Information Standards Organization) Circulation Interchange Protocol) the "bridge" that allows Alma to communicate automatically with external systems like ILLiad or self-check machines.

NISO (National Information Standards Organization)

NLS (Natural Language Searching) Natural Language Searching allows users to query databases using everyday language, similar to how one would ask a question in conversation.

NOA (Notice of Acceptance) Acknowledges the purchase of eBooks for cataloging.

NoveList Readers’ advisory database available via GALILEO, helping users find fiction and nonfiction books based on genre, mood, read-alikes, and reading level.

NVTVG Specific location or processing site within the ILLiad library software system, originally for Virginia Tech's Northern Virginia Graduate Center but now used broadly to define main library sites or separate patron pick-up/return points.

NZ (Network Zone) Shared cataloging area in Alma.

OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) Provides shared library resources and services (e.g., WorldCat).

OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Technology that converts scanned images of text into searchable digital text.

ODLIS (Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science)

OLF (Open Library Foundation) Nonprofit that supports open-source library software like FOLIO and VuFind. USG and GALILEO work with OLF projects when participating in FOLIO development or shared infrastructure.

OMNI CMS Web Content Management System (CMS) specifically designed for higher education institutions. It’s made by a company called Modern Campus (formerly known as OmniUpdate).

OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) Library catalog interface for public searching.

OpenRS (Open Resource Sharing) A resource-sharing platform developed by EBSCO and supported by the Open Library Foundation. It facilitates borrowing across library systems like GIL Express.

Panorama EBSCO library analytics platform.

P-Card (Purchasing Card) Managed by the Office of Procurement, it is a way to quickly buy certain items under a certain amount of money, but very few people can get approved to have P-cards.

PDA (Patron-Driven Acquisition) A purchasing model used by libraries to acquire digital resources. Libraries provide access to a collection but only pay when certain usage triggers are met, (e.g., multiple chapter views, full-book downloads) items are automatically purchased based on patron demand.

PINES (Public Information Network for Electronic Services) Georgia’s “borderless library” system that allows PINES card holders free access to books and other materials in nearly 300 library branches and affiliated service outlets throughout the state. 51 of the 60 regional library systems (a total of 149 counties) are members of PINES.
PINES is a program of the Georgia Public Library Service (GPLS), which itself is a unit of the University System of Georgia. PINES policies are governed by the PINES Executive Committee.

PIP (Performance Improvement Plan)

Pivot Research funding discovery tool primarily used by academic institutions to help researchers identify funding opportunities. Pivot aggregates information about grants, fellowships, and other types of research funding from government agencies, private foundations, and international organizations.

POL (Purchase Order Line) Also referred to as PO or Acquisitions Record.

Primo Patron-facing discovery interface for library resources managed in Alma

Program Long-term, recurring initiative composed of multiple related projects or ongoing efforts. Programs are designed to achieve broader strategic goals by providing sustained support, coordination, and oversight for work that happens more than once.

Project Temporary, one-time initiative with a clearly defined start and end date. Projects are undertaken to achieve a specific objective, and upon completion, they require a formal wrap-up process to assess outcomes and ensure deliverables are met.

Project ID’s The “buckets” of money in SAS that we use to pay for things. Ex: individual books will come out of the Books/Digital Content project ID, shorthanded to BOODI

PRP (Performance Remediation Plan)

Qualtrics High-powered survey and insights platform used to conduct research, assessment, and user experience testing.

RACL (Regents Academic Committee on Libraries) USG committee with the primary mission to guide and support collaborative library initiatives across the state, focusing on areas such as resource sharing, digital access, assessment, and professional development.
At KSU, Dr. Catherine Lewis represents the university within RACL.

RapidILL Automated system integrated with Alma and OCLC that allows our patrons to receive digital journal articles and book chapters from partner institutions with a typical turnaround time of less than 24 hours. By participating in specialized "pods," KSU staff can fulfill and receive high-volume resource sharing requests seamlessly within the Alma interface without manual intervention.

RCHSS (Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences)

RefWorks Web-based reference management service provided by ProQuest that allows users to collect, manage, and organize research materials and generate citations and bibliographies.

Report A structured document that presents data, analysis, or findings, often with context, summaries, and conclusions. Reports may include charts, graphs, and narratives to support decision-making.

Reprints (commonly known as Reprints Desk or Article Galaxy) is a high-speed, 3rd-party commercial document delivery service used to purchase journal articles and book chapters when they are unavailable through standard Interlibrary Loan (ILL).

RIM (Records and Information Management) Unit within the Department of Museums, Archives, and Rare Books (MARB). RIM is dedicated to the efficient and secure management of the university's digital and paper records, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, preserving institutional knowledge, and facilitating seamless access to information when needed.

RSM (Resource, Strategy, and Management)

RSO (Registered Student Organization) Student-led group officially recognized by the university that offers opportunities for leadership, community building, and campus engagement. RSOs cover a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, service, and recreational activities, and must follow university policies to remain in good standing.

RTAC (Real-Time Availability Check) Used to fetch up-to-date item availability across library systems, especially during resource sharing (like GIL Express). Helps users see whether an item is currently on shelf before placing a request.

SAML(Security Assertion Markup Language) An open standard for exchanging authentication data between an identity provider (like KSU) and a service provider, enabling "Single Sign-On" for library databases.

SAS (Statistical Analysis System) Software suite used for advanced analytics, data management, and statistical modeling. SAS also serves as an official budget tracking tool within the university's financial management system.

ScholComm (Scholarly communication) the creation, publication, dissemination, and discovery of academic research, primarily in peer-reviewed journals and books.

ScholPub (Scholarly Publishing and Research) Subunit at KSU Libraries that fosters campus-wide engagement with scholarly communication through events and support focused on Open movements. Part of the Academic Engagement and Instruction Unit(AEI), ScholPub assists with journal selection, open scholarship, copyright, research data management, and promoting KSU's research via the institutional repository. It also supports the adoption of affordable and open course materials.

Scopus Abstract/citation database for peer-reviewed literature; owned by Elsevier.

ServiceNow Centralized service portal for submitting and managing requests related to library resources, technology(UITS), HR, campus services, fiscal operations, project management, data privacy, records management, and more.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Slips Originally paper order slips sent by vendors, now electronic. They are essentially suggestions the vendor makes for things we should purchase, usually within a scope defined by an approval plan.

SOAR (Scholarly Online Access Repository) Resource provided by the Kennesaw State University Archives that supports the research, scholarship, and creative activities of the students, faculty, administration, and staff of the university, as well as members of the northwest Georgia community. SOAR serves two functions that further the mission of the Archives. It offers on-demand access to digital materials, both born-digital and analog-to-digital conversions, from the collections of the Archives. SOAR also provides an online channel to transfer digital files directly to the Archives.

SPCEET (Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering & Engineering Technology)

SpringShare Library tools like LibGuides, LibAnswers, and LibCal.

SSO (Single Sign On) A system that allows users to access multiple applications with a single login.

Stratcomm Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing

Sturgis Library Horace W. Sturgis Library serves as the primary library for the Kennesaw campus, housing extensive academic resources and the Bentley Rare Book Museum.

SuDoc (Superintendent of Documents Classification) system used by the U.S. Government Publishing Office to organize federal government publications by issuing agency rather than subject.

SuperSearch (See also EDS) Integrated search tool for KSU Libraries.

SUSHI (Standardized Usage Statistics Harvesting Initiative) Protocol that automates the retrieval of COUNTER-compliant usage reports from content providers to libraries.

TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages)

Tipasa Cloud-based interlibrary loan (ILL) management system by OCLC that allows staff to manage requests from other libraries and deliver materials to users.(KSU does not use Tipasa)

TOU (Terms Of Use) Rules and conditions users agree to follow when accessing or using a website, service, or product.

TRAC (Teacher Resource and Activity Corner)

UAT (User Acceptance Testing) Evaluating the platform's functionalities, usability, and performance from an end-user perspective to ensure it meets their needs and requirements before it goes live.

UPCC (Undergraduate Policies & Curriculum Committee)

USG (University System of Georgia)

Voyant Free, web-based tool that analyzes text using visualization methods. It's used to read and explore large amounts of text.

VPAT (Voluntary Product Accessibility Template) A document that explains how an electronic product does or does not comply with federal accessibility requirements. Some libraries require e-resource vendors to fill one out during the contracting process.

VPN(Virtual Private Network) A secure connection that allows students and faculty to access the university’s internal network from off-campus, granting them "on-site" access to restricted digital resources.

WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines) International accessibility standards required to ensure all websites, learning materials, and digital resources are accessible to users with disabilities.

WLRC (World Languages Resource Collection)

WorldCat Bibliographic database created and maintained by OCLC. (Online Computer Library Center)

XML (Extensible Markup Language) A text-based markup language used to structure and share data. In libraries, XML is commonly used to encode and exchange metadata records between systems.

YBP (Yankee Book Peddler) A previous name for what is now GOBI Library Solutions

Z39.50 Standard communication protocol that allows Alma to search and retrieve bibliographic records from external library catalogs and databases for cataloging or resource sharing.