GLC Reference Services and Research Support 2 â Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the Boolean operator 'AND' do when used in a library database search?
- Broadens the search by including results containing either term
- Narrows the search by requiring both terms to appear in each result (Correct answer)
- Excludes one of the terms from the search results
- Ranks results by relevance to the first term entered
Correct answer: Narrows the search by requiring both terms to appear in each result
The Boolean operator AND narrows search results by requiring that every retrieved record contains all specified terms, reducing the total number of results.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a controlled vocabulary (subject heading) in library catalogs and databases?
- To limit access to sensitive topics
- To standardize terminology so that materials on the same topic are grouped together regardless of the words used (Correct answer)
- To replace keyword searching entirely in modern catalogs
- To provide an author's preferred spelling of technical terms
Correct answer: To standardize terminology so that materials on the same topic are grouped together regardless of the words used
Controlled vocabularies such as Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) provide consistent, standardized terms that collocate all materials on a subject even when authors use different terminology.
Question 3: Which database is most appropriate for finding peer-reviewed biomedical and health sciences research?
- ERIC
- PsycINFO
- PubMed/MEDLINE (Correct answer)
- JSTOR
Correct answer: PubMed/MEDLINE
PubMed/MEDLINE, maintained by the National Library of Medicine, is the premier database for biomedical literature and is the standard starting point for health sciences research.
Question 4: What is Interlibrary Loan (ILL) and what is its primary function?
- A program that allows libraries to share staff across institutions
- A service that allows patrons to borrow materials not owned by their local library from another library (Correct answer)
- A federal grant program that funds library collections
- A software system for managing library circulation
Correct answer: A service that allows patrons to borrow materials not owned by their local library from another library
Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a cooperative service that enables patrons to access materials their local library does not own by borrowing them from other libraries.
Question 5: Which component of the CRAAP test evaluates whether a source's content is biased or objective?
- Currency
- Relevance
- Authority
- Purpose (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Purpose
The 'Purpose' criterion of the CRAAP test asks why the information exists and whether the author or publisher has an agenda, advertising influence, or bias that could affect objectivity.
Question 6: What is 'information literacy' as defined by the American Library Association (ALA)?
- The ability to read and write at an advanced level
- The ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively (Correct answer)
- Proficiency in using digital library systems and databases
- Familiarity with the Dewey Decimal Classification system
Correct answer: The ability to recognize when information is needed and to locate, evaluate, and use it effectively
ALA defines information literacy as a set of abilities requiring individuals to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use the needed information.
Question 7: Which Georgia-specific resource consortium provides shared access to electronic databases for K-12 school and public libraries across the state?
- GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online) (Correct answer)
- LYRASIS
- Georgia Public Library Service Direct Access Program
- OCLC WorldShare
Correct answer: GALILEO (Georgia Library Learning Online)
GALILEO is Georgia's statewide virtual library that provides access to licensed electronic resourcesâincluding periodical databases and e-booksâto all Georgia students, educators, and library patrons.
GLC Reference Services and Research Support 2
What does the Boolean operator 'AND' do when used in a library database search?