GLC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield GLC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is a 'see also' reference in a subject heading catalog? → A link from one valid heading to a related valid heading
2. When a library implements a new surveillance system, which ethical framework should guide decisions about data retention and access? → Minimum data retention necessary, with strict access controls to protect patron privacy
3. A library's collection development policy is best described as which type of document? → A professional guideline governing selection and deselection decisions
4. Which federal legislation most directly affects library collection decisions regarding accessible formats for patrons with disabilities? → The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
5. What does the Fixed-Length Data Elements field (008) position 06 represent in a MARC bibliographic record for a book? → Type of date/publication status
6. The principle of 'equity of access' in library ethics means that: → Library services should be accessible regardless of economic or social status
7. What is a 'needs assessment' in library program planning? → A process to identify gaps between current and desired program states
8. A library's collection development policy should include which of the following elements? → Selection criteria, scope, and procedures for gifts and weeding
9. A librarian uses think-alouds during database instruction. What instructional purpose does this strategy serve? → It models expert thinking processes for learners
10. Under Georgia's Open Records Act, which type of library record is generally exempt from public disclosure? → Patron circulation and registration records
11. The MUSTIE criteria used in the CREW weeding method stands for Misleading, Ugly, Superseded, Trivial, Irrelevant, and: → Elsewhere available
12. When a librarian presents circulation data and student achievement correlations to the school board, this activity is called what? → Library program advocacy
13. Which type of software license allows libraries to freely use, modify, and distribute software without cost? → Open source license
14. What is cooperative collection development? → Libraries pooling resources and coordinating selection
15. A librarian is writing a grant proposal and is tempted to inflate usage statistics to improve the chances of funding. This would constitute: → Research misconduct and a violation of professional ethics
16. Which term describes a library's effort to ensure all community members, including those with disabilities, can access services? → Universal design
17. In cataloging, what is a 'uniform title' used for? → To bring together catalog entries for a work published under various titles
18. Which factor is LEAST relevant when evaluating a nonfiction book for potential weeding? → The author's academic credentials
19. Which of the following is the BEST example of a quantitative measure in collection evaluation? → Circulation statistics per subject area
20. Which of the following is an example of a library practice that upholds the ALA ethical principle of 'confidentiality'? → Shredding returned book slips so circulation history is not retained
21. Which component of the CRAAP test evaluates whether a source's content is biased or objective? → Purpose
22. A library notices its website takes over 10 seconds to load on mobile devices. What is the FIRST step in diagnosing this problem? → Run a web performance audit tool such as Google Lighthouse
23. According to RUSA (Reference and User Services Association) guidelines, which behavior is a hallmark of excellent reference service? → Maintaining approachability, interest, listening, searching, and follow-up
24. Maintaining confidentiality of library records in Georgia applies to which of the following? → Records of all patrons, including juveniles
25. Which authentication method do academic libraries most commonly use to grant off-campus access to licensed databases? → EZproxy reverse proxy server
26. Which cataloging tool is used to describe resources and assign classification? → RDA
27. Which of the following is a primary characteristic of a federated search system? → It searches multiple databases simultaneously with a single query
28. A librarian uses exit tickets at the end of a research session. This is an example of: → Formative assessment
29. What does 'document delivery service' provide that traditional ILL does not always offer? → Faster fee-based delivery of article copies directly to patrons
30. When selecting materials for a school or public library serving English language learners, which additional criterion is MOST important? → Availability of materials in multiple languages and appropriate reading levels