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CARLI
CARLI, the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois, exists to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of services and create opportunities to pursue new programs and services for its members.

Consolidated Searching
Consolidated searching refers to an interface or product that allows users to simultaneously search across disparate resources or databases with one search.

De-coupling the PAC
The concept that a library or library consortium can obtain the back-room functionality (circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials control, etc.) from one vendor or source while the public service (PAC) functionality may come from a different vendor or source.

Discovery
The function of a modern online catalog which enables the user to find unknown items held by the library. The concept of Discovery surpasses the concept of searching for physical materials only located in the library to include electronic databases, consortially-owned electronic format, open content available on the Internet, digitized materials that may be produced at the state level, and other 'virtual' media that do not exist in a physical format but may be relevant to a library's users.

ExLibris
ExLibris is a company that produces library automation products.Its most well-known products are Aleph and Voyager (circulation, cataloging, etc.) and Primo (a PAC product). ExLibris recently purchased Endeavor, another library automation vendor, and its products.

Evergreen
Evergreen is an open source library automation product, available for free, that is maintained and developed by a world-wide group of individuals. Currently, the Georgia PINES automation system runs on Evergreen.

FRBR
FRBR is the acronym for Functional Requirements for Bibliographic Records. In general, this requirement seeks to provide a clearly defined, structured framework for relating the data that are recorded in bibliographic records to the needs of the users of those records.

III
III is an acronym for Innovative Interfaces, Inc., a company that produces library automation products. Its most well-known products are Millennium (circulation, cataloging, etc.) and Encore (a PAC product).

ILS
Integrated Library System. A computer-based product that combines in a single unified platform all the essential functions of a library or consortium of libraries. Modern ILS products offer modules for both back-room and public service functions.

Keyword Search
A method of filing and locating information through the use of keywords that describe the content of the record.

LINC
The shared online catalog of the Lincoln Trail Libraries System. LINC consists of the shared print and non-print holdings of over 105 academic, school, special and public libraries in Lincoln Trail Libraries System.

LLSAP
Local Library System Automation Project (or Program). In Illinois, the term LLSAP refers to the shared online catalog of a consortium of libraries within a regional library system. Typically the LLSAP project is managed by the regional library system on behalf of the member libraries. The Lincoln Trail Libraries System's LLSAP is called LINC. LINC uses Horizon software from the SirsiDynix Company.

LPC
LINC Policy Council. One of several representative bodies that advise Lincoln Trail Libraries System on policies for the LINC libraries. LINC Policy Council consists of 10 members elected by the libraries that participate in LINC plus one representative from Lincoln Trail Libraries System.

Library Thing
Library Thing is an online service to help anyone catalog their books easily, locate other people who read what they read, and find suggestions for other readings. It is a catalog software and a social software, connecting people who love books with other people who love books.

Library Thing for Libraries
LibraryThing for Libraries incorporates Library 2.0 in a web catalog. Its enhancements extend the usefulness of the catalog by adding book recommendations, tag clouds, ratings, and reviews to titles.

Module
One component of an integrated library system (ILS). Common modules in modern integrated library systems include circulation, cataloging, acquisitions, serials, and PAC. The ILS is a single product that incorporates the functionality of several modules.

OCLC
The OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organization dedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world's information and reducing information costs. More than 57,000 libraries in 112 countries and territories around the world use OCLC services to locate, acquire, catalog, lend and preserve library materials.

OPAC
Online Public Access Catalog. See PAC.

Open Source
Open Source software is available to the general public with relaxed intellectual property restrictions. This allows users to create software content through individual effort or through collaboration. Open source is a development method for software that uses the methodology of distributed peer review and transparency of process in its creation.

Open Source ILS
An Integrated Library System that utilizes Open Source software as a substitute for vendor-produced ILS software.

PAC
Public Access Catalog. The component of an integrated library system which provides the user interface for public users. Typical PAC functionality includes user searching, display of records, placing of holds, and display of the user's record. The PAC may have a text-based interface or a graphical interface. Modern PACs are web-based graphical user interfaces accessed over the Internet via a web browser.

Patron Authentication
A mechanism (usually software-based) that requires users to validate themselves before they are allowed to view certain databases, perform certain activities, or create specific materials or list. Patron authentication can be required by a vendor for licensing and copyright reasons.

SirsiDynix
SirsiDynix is a recently-merged company that produces library automation products. Previously, Sirsi and Dynix were separate library automation companies. Its most well-known products are Horizon and Unicorn (circulation, cataloging, etc.) and Rooms (a PAC product). SirsiDynix has announced the merging of both Horizon and Unicorn in a new product called Symphony.

RFID
Radio Frequency ID in a library setting refers to the increasing use of electronic tags placed in library materials to manage circulation and inventory control. RFID tags take the place of scannable barcodes and require special readers and equipment to 'read' the individual frequency on each tag. RFID tags are used by libraries that want to further the use of automation through conveyor systems that automatically sort materials, self-check units, security systems, and inventory control systems.

WorldCat
A user interface designed by OCLC that provides access to library and other materials owned by all OCLC member libraries.

WorldCat Local
WorldCat Local is an interface, designed by OCLC, that allows a local library to brand and customize a WorldCat-like interface for its own use. WorldCat Local also incorporates shelf status information for that library and its groups, allows for direct requests, and incorporates other database resources that may be non-bibliographic.

This guide to acronyms and terms regarding library automation is intended to de-mystify some of the jargon and enable everyone to participate in helping shape the future of the Integrated Library System.