Alumni

Use "alumni," the more gender-inclusive term, when referring to a group of graduates.

Avoid the binary designations you might encounter across campus: "Alumnus," (alumni as the plural), which was traditionally used to refer to a group of male graduates, and "alumna" (alumnae as the plural), traditionally used to refer to female graduates.

Course Reserve

The service is singular: Course Reserve.

When referring to a single item, say it is on "Course Reserve" in the singular. The plural "Course Reserves" is used to describe all the items on Course Reserve.

e.g.

Avoid this Latin abbreviation in web writing. Spell out "for example" instead. 

Grand Valley State University

On first reference, use Grand Valley State University. After that, you may use GVSU.

Don't use GV or GV University.

LibGuides

On public-facing websites, don't use the term LibGuides. Refer to them as subject guides.

Library Catalog

Library Catalog refers to the "Find Books" search. Do not refer to it as "Catalog" (that refers to the University Catalog) or Locate (the brand name of the software.)

Library Chat

Refer to our chat service as Library Chat, not Ask Us or Ask a Librarian.

Library Search

This refers to the Library's single search box. On public-facing materials, don't use "EBSCO Discovery Service" or "EDS." An acceptable alternative is "The Find It Box."

Online and Technology Terms

Use these spellings:

• blog
• cellphone
• download
• e-book
• e-mail
• internet
• intranet
• online
• smartphone
• username
• web
• webpage
• website
• webcam
• Facebook
• Google, Googling, Googled
• Twitter, tweet, tweeted, retweet
• YouTube
• Zoom

Wireless, Wi-Fi

Use wireless network or wireless access. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark, so don't use lowercase as in wi-fi.