What does that mean? Are you confused about library jargon? Use this guide to learn the meaning of words that you will see and hear when using Plymouth University Library
Classmark or Shelfmark: Books, and other materials, are organised by subject classmark on the shelves. The classmark is displayed on the spines of the items and usually has a combination of numbers and letters e.g. 310.5 ARD. You can find out more about the numbers here Catalogue or OPAC: You use the catalogue (called Primo) to check which books and journals are in the library and where they are kept. Each level in the Library has some computers with just the catalogue loaded on them
Fine or Overdue Charge: A charge you have to pay if you return an item to the Library later than the date it is due back
Journal: A journal is published in parts during the year e.g. every month or 6 times a year. Each part has a number. Other words you will see are serial, periodical or magazine
Open Access Computing: Computers that you can use for study while at the university. There are 3 open access computing areas in the library
PIN (Personal Identification Number): You need a PIN to manage your personal library account. To start, everyone is given 11111 as their PIN. You must change this Portal:
Oversize: Items which are too large to fit on the shelves are often put in a separate section called Oversize. They are large books
On the student portal you can find information about the university, your courses and the services like the library or sports facilities
PRIMO: This is the name of our discovery tool or catalogue. Use Primo to search for books, DVDs, journals or e-books that you can use Recall: The library may ask for you to return a book because someone else needs it. This is a recall Reference or Not for Loan: Items that you may read in the library but not take away
Renew: You can renew a book to keep it for longer if you have not finished using it
Reservation or Request: To get an item on loan to another student, you may make a reservation request
Scanner:
Information Specialists:
You can use the scanner to convert text documents or photographs into digital files and save them on your USB stick
A team of librarians who can help you find information for your assignments. There is an Information Specialist to support every subject taught in the University so find out the name of yours!