Glossary of Folger terminology

This glossary provides explanations of terms and acronyms that are used at the Folger (though some may have originated elsewhere or reflect previous practices).

A

• ALA: American Library Association
• AIB: Association Internationale de Bibliophilie

C

• CLIR: Council of Library and Information Resources
• CEC: Consortium Executive Committee

D

• DCRM: Descriptive Cataloging of Rare Materials, a suite of cataloging manuals for special collections. Manuals for Books, Graphics, and Serials are available as free downloads here.

E

• EMDA: Early Modern Digital Agendas
• EMMO: Early Modern Manuscripts Online

F

• FAHN: the group of five independent libraries: Folger, American Antiquarian, Morgan, Newberry, and Huntington.

I

• IFLA: International Federation of Library Associations
• IMLS: Institute of Museum and Library Services
• IRLA: Independent Research Libraries Association which includes the Folger

N

• NACO: Name Authority Cooperative Program of the Program for Cooperative Cataloging.
• NDSR: National Digital Stewardship Residency

R

• RBMS: The Rare Books and Manuscripts section of the American Library Association, which "represents and promotes the interests of librarians who work with rare books, manuscripts, and other types of special collections."

S

• SAA: Shakespeare Association of America or Society of American Archivists, depending on context, therefore also the cause of much confusion at the Folger.
• Shelfmarks: Term formerly used interchangeably with "call numbers" for describing the location of collection items. Starting in 2014 we're making an effort to use "call numbers" only.
• SSF: Secondary School Festival
• STC: Variously used to refer to a book printed in in England, Scotland, or Ireland (or an English-language book printed elsewhere) between the years 1475 and 1640, and to A Short-Title Catalogue of Books Printed in England, Scotland, & Ireland and of English Books Printed Abroad, 1475-1640 (the published catalog of such books, also known as "Pollard and Redgrave"). An online database using the Short Title Catalogue hosted at the British Library can be consulted here.

T

• Tea: Shared staff and reader break time in the Tea Room, Monday through Friday, starting at 3pm and ending at 3:30. Complementary coffee, tea, and cookies are served.
• Tea Room: Staff break room on the basement level. Also open to readers at Tea Time.
• TSI: Teaching Shakespeare Institute