Glossary of Terms
Here are some words and terms that you may come across relating to the Library and Knowledge Services. Please contact clinical.librarian@ulh.nhs.uk if there are any other terms that you think should be added to the list.
Alert
This is usually an email that contains information on a selected topic. See Current Awareness.
Articles of Interest
This is when we send an email to you with a journal article that could be useful. You can then request to get a copy of the article.
Article Supply
This is what we call the process of finding and sending a journal article to you.
BMJ Best Practice
This is a resource where you will find summaries on conditions and healthcare topics.
Boolean Logic
This is a way of adding words together to search in a database.
Bulletin
This is a document that is sent at regular intervals and contains the latest information on a particular topic. There are a number of Bulletins that are produced on a variety of topics.
Catalogue
This is where you can see all of the books (print and online) that are available to you. On the catalogue you can log into your account to reserve books.
ClinicalKey
This is a resource that contains content from Elsevier including eBooks, journals and multimedia items (e.g. pictures and videos).
Copyright
This is where the creator of a piece of work can protect against others copying or reproducing their work. It is a legal requirement that we have to consider when getting articles and books for you.
Critical Appraisal
This is the process of looking at scientific research to decide whether it is relevant and trustworthy.
Current Awareness
This is a way to stay up to date with the latest news (articles, guidelines etc) in your area of interest.
Database
A database is a collection of information stored in a computer system. You can use a healthcare database (e.g. Medline, CINAHL) when you are searching for information.
eBook
This is an electronic (or online) version of a print book. A list of eBooks is available.
EBSCO
EBSCO provides information resources and tools to libraries.
General Library Books
This is our collection of fiction and non-fiction books that can be borrowed by patients and staff.
Health Literacy
Health literacy is the ability of people to find, understand and apply healthcare information to help them make decisions about their health.
HeLM
HeLM is a health library consortium. We are part of HeLM and we have a shared Library Management System (Koha).
Inter Library Loan
This is where we go to other libraries to obtain books or articles that you request.
Koha
This is the name of the system we use to record your information and the information about the books that we have.
Knowledge, Learning and Resources Hub
This is the name of the physical library space at Lincoln Hospital.
KnowledgeShare
This is a system we use to set up email alerts on your topics of interest.
Library Management System
This is a system for libraries to track books and record information about users. Our current system is Koha.
Literature Search
This is when library staff search the available resources and databases on your behalf to provide evidence to support your work.
NHS Knowledge and Library Hub
This is a resource that has evidence sources in one place including journals, books and databases.
OpenAthens
This is your access to online journals, eBooks and resources. You can self-register to get an account.
OVID
OVID is a medical research database.
Print Collection
This is a term for all of the resources that we have in print form e.g. journals, books, interactive games.
ProQuest
ProQuest provides access to databases covering a variety of subjects.
Staff Library
This is the name of the physical library spaces at Pilgrim and Grantham Hospitals.
Staff Library Books
This is our collection of books to support staff and students in their work and study. The books cover a range of clinical and non-clinical topics.
Table of Contents (TOC) Alert
This is an email that is sent when a new issue of a journal is published. It contains a list of the articles in that issue.