Glossary of Library Terms

Every job has its own jargon — words that mean something specific to the job. Sometimes we librarians use our own jargon without meaning to. This page is set up to help you in case we forget and use words or phrases that you’re unfamiliar with.

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Fiction:

Fiction refers to a book, DVD or audio book which is a made up story. Sometimes they are based upon real events such as Jack Ketchum’s The Girl Next Door or they can complete fabrications from the author’s mind, like J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Fiction also encompasses genre fiction such as mysteries, science fiction, horror, romances and westerns to name a few. (see Non-fction)

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Non-Fiction:

Non-fiction refers to a book, DVD or audio book which is factual and not a made up story. This includes how-to books, cookbooks, history books, biographies, art books, computer guides, learn a foreign language materials, books on religion, politics, science, finances, opinion, crafts, small businesses, health and medicine, pet care, collecting, comics and much much more. (see Fiction)

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Readers’ Advisory:

The skill of find a patron a book to read based upon books he or she has read and enjoyed.

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