Librarian Vocabulary

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Instructions: Check out this quiz about the specialized terms used in library science and information management.

1.
What is the 'Dewey Decimal System'?
A
A numerical classification system used to organize library materials by subject
B
A system for rating book quality
C
A method for dating old books
D
A way to calculate library fines
2.
What does 'cataloging' mean in library science?
A
Arranging books by size
B
Creating organized records describing library materials so they can be found
C
Writing book reviews
D
Ordering new books
3.
What is an 'OPAC'?
A
An Online Public Access Catalog for searching library holdings
B
A type of library card
C
An old printing archive collection
D
An overdue payment accounting code
4.
What does 'periodical' mean in a library context?
A
A publication issued at regular intervals, such as a magazine or journal
B
A book published long ago
C
A library that is only open periodically
D
A reference book updated yearly
5.
What is 'interlibrary loan' (ILL)?
A
A service allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries
B
Lending money between library staff
C
A loan to build a new library
D
A transfer of librarians between branches
6.
What does 'acquisition' mean in library terms?
A
The process of selecting and obtaining new materials for a library's collection
B
Acquiring a library card
C
Merging two libraries
D
A hostile takeover of a library
7.
What is a 'call number'?
A
The library's phone number
B
A unique code assigned to each item indicating its location on the shelves
C
A reservation number for a study room
D
A number you call to renew books
8.
What does 'weeding' mean in library management?
A
Cleaning the library shelves
B
The process of removing outdated, damaged, or unused materials from the collection
C
Gardening outside the library
D
Organizing books alphabetically
9.
What is a 'reference desk'?
A
A service point where librarians help patrons find information and answer research questions
B
The head librarian's office
C
A desk for reading reference books only
D
A desk where books are returned
10.
What does 'circulation' refer to in a library?
A
Walking through the library stacks
B
Air flow in the building
C
The lending and returning of library materials
D
The number of people visiting the library
11.
What is 'metadata' in library science?
A
Structured information that describes, explains, or locates a resource
B
A type of library database
C
Mathematical data in textbooks
D
Data about the library building
12.
What are 'stacks' in a library?
A
Stacks of paper for the printer
B
Piles of unsorted books
C
A method of counting inventory
D
The shelved collection areas where books and materials are stored
13.
What does 'ISBN' stand for?
A
Index System for Book Names
B
International Society of Book Numbering
C
International Standard Book Number
D
Internal Serial Binding Notation
14.
What is 'archival preservation'?
A
The practice of protecting documents and materials from deterioration for long-term access
B
A method of book binding
C
Storing books in archives only
D
Keeping old buildings intact
15.
What does 'serials' refer to in a library?
A
Publications issued in successive parts at regular intervals, such as journals and newspapers
B
A series of books by the same author
C
Mystery novels about serial killers
D
Library card serial numbers

Answer Key

Question 1

A. A numerical classification system used to organize library materials by subject

Question 2

B. Creating organized records describing library materials so they can be found

Question 3

A. An Online Public Access Catalog for searching library holdings

Question 4

A. A publication issued at regular intervals, such as a magazine or journal

Question 5

A. A service allowing patrons to borrow materials from other libraries

Question 6

A. The process of selecting and obtaining new materials for a library's collection

Question 7

B. A unique code assigned to each item indicating its location on the shelves

Question 8

B. The process of removing outdated, damaged, or unused materials from the collection

Question 9

A. A service point where librarians help patrons find information and answer research questions

Question 10

C. The lending and returning of library materials

Question 11

A. Structured information that describes, explains, or locates a resource

Question 12

D. The shelved collection areas where books and materials are stored

Question 13

C. International Standard Book Number

Question 14

A. The practice of protecting documents and materials from deterioration for long-term access

Question 15

A. Publications issued in successive parts at regular intervals, such as journals and newspapers

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