News

Read On! No More Jargon (sort of)

May 20, 2019

We librarians are very passionate about what we do, but it may come as no great surprise that talking about circulation statistics, reference questions answered, and database uses makes most of our friends and family members’ eyes glaze over. Librarians love to have specific and articulate names for things and we hold fast to our jargon, which is part of the problem with most of these conversations. For instance, it wasn’t until 2008 that the Library of Congress (one of the creators of jargon) agreed to change the subject heading “cookery” to plain ol’ “cooking.”

As part of our Strategic Planning process, the full-time staff read the book “Transforming Our Image, Building Our Brand” by Valerie J. Gross which encourages libraries to ditch as much jargon as possible. The jargon we can’t get rid of, like Inter-Library Loan or ILL, should be accompanied by an explanation whenever possible (ILLs are materials we get for you from other libraries).

In the spirit of Gross’s recommendations and clear communication we’re making some changes. “Circulation” will become “checkout,” “reference” will become “research,” “programs” will become “classes,” “events,” “workshops,” or “activities.” The hardest change for me and one that I’ve been working on for about three years is the change from “databases” to “online resources.” I’m not sure why my brain has so much trouble with “online resources,” but this continues to be a battle for me.

We will likely slip up on occasion. We may even make up new jargon on accident. Our goal is to be clear, so we never mind being asked for clarification on the terms we use. We’re excited to begin working our new Strategic Plan over the next three years. I’m hopeful this change in our language will be one of many positive changes you notice from your library!