Library & Technology Glossary
Quick reference for terms used throughout the Unhinged Librarian site. Whether you're new to library technology, joining a board, or just need to clarify an acronym, this glossary is here to help.
- API (Application Programming Interface)
- A standardized set of rules and protocols that allow different software systems to communicate with each other and share data. In library context, APIs enable your ILS to talk to discovery layers, email systems, and third-party services without manual data entry. ↑ back to top
- CDL (Controlled Digital Lending)
- A library method for lending ebooks where libraries digitize physical books they own or partner with other libraries to share digital copies. Respects the First Sale Doctrine. Challenged by publishers in court but supported by Internet Archive and many library advocates as a legitimate preservation and access method. ↑ back to top
- Consortium
- A group of libraries pooling resources to purchase technology systems, ebooks, and digital content at negotiated rates. Consortia reduce per-library costs and provide collective bargaining power against vendors. Examples: statewide library consortia in Ohio, Illinois, Texas. ↑ back to top
- Embargo Window
- A period, typically 6 months, during which libraries cannot lend newly purchased ebooks. Publishers impose this to protect hardcover sales. Libraries pay premium prices and get fewer checkout rights than they would for physical books. ↑ back to top
- Enshittification
- A pattern where digital platforms launch helpful and beneficial, then gradually squeeze users with restrictions, then extract maximum value before collapsing. Described by Cory Doctorow. Many vendor relationships follow this arc: free trial → moderate pricing → aggressive fees → exit costs. ↑ back to top
- Evergreen
- A free, open-source Integrated Library System built specifically for consortia (library groups sharing systems). Used by multi-library systems in Georgia, New Jersey, and Connecticut. More infrastructure overhead than Koha, but designed for shared governance from the start. ↑ back to top
- Fair Use
- A legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes like research, teaching, criticism, or commentary. Applies differently to different uses. Libraries rely on fair use for preservation, accessibility, and research. Digital content licensing often restricts fair use rights. ↑ back to top
- First Sale Doctrine
- A legal principle allowing libraries to lend books they own without paying publishers permission or royalties. Applies to physical books; publishers argue it shouldn't apply to ebooks. Central to library advocacy for Controlled Digital Lending and ebook access rights. Battles over this doctrine define modern library licensing conflicts. ↑ back to top
- ILS (Integrated Library System)
- The core software managing a library's collections, patron records, circulation, and catalog. Every library depends on an ILS. Options range from proprietary systems (Alma, Sierra) costing $50K–120K annually to open-source alternatives like Koha or Evergreen (free or $3–5K/year). ↑ back to top
- Indemnification
- A contract clause protecting one party from legal liability or damages caused by the other party. In library contracts: your library might require vendors to indemnify you if their AI training violates copyrights or if they lose patron data due to their negligence. Essential protection against vendor failures. ↑ back to top
- KKR (Kohlberg Kravis Roberts)
- A major private equity firm. In 2020, KKR acquired OverDrive from Rakuten, making OverDrive privately held. Private equity ownership changes company incentives: profits flow to investors rather than reinvestment in library features. This shift has affected ebook availability and pricing across US libraries. ↑ back to top
- MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging)
- The international standard format for library metadata and catalog records. MARC records contain all details about a book (author, title, ISBN, subject headings) in a machine-readable format that every library system can understand and import/export. ↑ back to top
- Metadata
- Structured information that describes and organizes library resources. Includes title, author, ISBN, subject headings, publication date, and more. Good metadata makes discovery possible; poor metadata frustrates users and staff. ↑ back to top
- MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication)
- A security method that requires multiple forms of verification (password + phone code, password + fingerprint, etc.) to access systems. Blocks most ransomware attacks even if passwords are compromised. Often free through Gmail, Microsoft, or Okta. ↑ back to top
- OCLC (Online Computer Library Center)
- The organization managing WorldCat, the largest global library metadata database. Provides cataloging services, standards, and tools used by libraries worldwide. Maintains the Z39.50 protocol that enables searching across library systems. ↑ back to top
- OverDrive vs. Libby
- OverDrive is the company (founded 1986, now owned by KKR); Libby is their patron-facing app for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks. Patrons use Libby; librarians contract with OverDrive. The same company, just different names for different purposes. Understanding this distinction helps when reading contracts or ebook licensing discussions. ↑ back to top
- Patron Data
- Information about library users including names, contact information, reading history, search patterns, and checkout records. Highly sensitive and protected by privacy laws. Vendors should be contractually prohibited from using it for AI training, analytics, or sale. ↑ back to top
- RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
- A technique where AI systems are fed curated sources (library collections, verified databases) instead of relying on general training data. More reliable than generic AI because it retrieves factual information before generating answers. Growing tool for library research assistance. ↑ back to top
- SLA (Service Level Agreement)
- A contract clause specifying uptime guarantees, support response times, and penalties for vendor failures. Example: "System uptime 99.9% or vendor provides service credit." Binding and enforceable. Should be a standard part of every vendor contract. ↑ back to top
- Vendor Lock-in
- Situation where a library cannot easily switch vendors due to export restrictions, proprietary data formats, high exit costs, or incomplete documentation. Creates negotiating leverage for vendors and reduces library independence. Open-source systems like Koha minimize lock-in. ↑ back to top
- VPN (Virtual Private Network)
- A secure, encrypted connection that allows remote access to library systems. Essential for staff accessing sensitive patron data from home or during travel. Should be required for any remote access to administrative systems. ↑ back to top
- Koha
- A free, open-source Integrated Library System used successfully by hundreds of small public and academic libraries worldwide. No licensing fees; hosting costs $3–5K/year from managed providers like Bywater Solutions or Equinox. Active community support. Requires some technical capability but saves $35–40K/year compared to proprietary systems. ↑ back to top
- Discovery Layer
- A modern search interface (like VuFind) that sits between patrons and the library catalog, providing Google-like search experience with faceted results. Intended to improve discoverability but effectiveness depends on implementation quality and collection metadata. ROI often lower than expected. ↑ back to top