Below is a list of terms that you will hear being used when conducting research at Gutman Library. Many of these links take you to external sites that explain the terms in greater depth. Abstract - a summary of an article, or, sometimes, of a book.
Abstracts can be either indicative or informative.
Bound periodical - multiple issues of periodicals that have been gathered together and bound, like a book. If PhilaFind indicates that a back issue of a periodical is in Paper format, then that issue is shelved on the Library's Ground Floor , with the Bound Periodicals. Call number - combination of numbers and letters, used to assign library materials to specific locations in the library. At Gutman Library, periodicals and Reference books do NOT circulate. Classification system - the Dewey Decimal Classification System and the Library of Congress Classification System are two of the systems used to classify and assign call numbers to library materials.