Glossary starting with letter D

Data Bank: These are synonymous with database which is used to specify collection of numeric data only.

Data Mining: The process by which information are extracted from datasets in the way which might not be explicit initially.

Database: A database is a self describing structured set of collection of integrated records. It is self describing because it contains as part of itself, a directory or dictionary of its contents.

Decimal Notation: It is the notation which is used to identify the subjects based on some library classification system.

Declassify: Under proper authorization removal of a secret or confidential tag from a document and opening the document for general use.

Defaulter: It means a reader who could not return the book on time and has to pay fine.

Delhi Public Library: UNESCO for the first time started the first pilot project in library in India by establishing the Delhi Public Library in October 1951. This later on developed into Delhi Public Library and act as a national depository library.

Demographic: The statistical characteristics of human populations i.e. as age or income used especially to identify markets.

Denudation: The formation of different types of classes by various divisions.

Deposit Library: A library where documents are deposited under special conditions for example the Delivery of Books (Public Libraries) Act, 1954.

Depository: A library which receives the publications of a government or official body free of cost.

Descriptor:  The index term consisting of word, phrase, or alphanumerical term that is used to identify a record in a database or describe the content of the record.

Desktop Computer: A desktop computer is a Personal Computer (PC) in a form intended for regular use at a single location, as opposed to a mobile laptop or portable computer. It can indicate a horizontally-oriented computer case usually intended to have the display screen placed on top to save space on the desk top. Most modern desktop computers have separate screens and keyboards.

Dewey Decimal System: It is a highly structured a proprietary library classification system first published in the United States by Melvil Dewey in 1876.

Digital Camera: A digital camera or digicam is a camera that takes video or still photographs, or both, digitally by recording images via an electronic image sensor.

Digital Computer: The digital computer works with numbers, words, and symbols expressed as digits which it manipulates and counts discretely. Example includes Calculators, Digital watches, etc.

Discard: When the book is not used for a long time, then it is withdrawn from the library holding and sells out or given free of cost to those libraries who are interested in that book.

Dissertation: A written treatise usually authored by a master or M.Phil. Degree student or learner under the guidance of a supervisor or teacher intended to advance the state of the art in a given discipline.

Documentation: It is the study and recording of acquisition, handling and communication of various information.

Dog-eared: When the corners of the pages of a book, portfolio, or similar article are folded, it is called Dog-eared.

Donation: A book or other item given to a library free of cost by its author or publisher, or by an unconnected person or organisation.

Due Date: The date on which a book is due for returning to the library.

Badan Barman at present working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Library and Information Science, Gauhati University, Guwahati-781014, Assam, India. He is the creator of the LIS Links (http://www.lislinks.com) - India’s most popular social networking website for Library and Information Science professionals. He also created the UGC NET Guide (http://www.netugc.com) and LIS Study (http://www.lisstudy.com) website.