Spelling and Capitalization

English words don’t often contain diacritics, such as accents, but they are common in other languages. In Spanish, letters with diacritics are distinct from letters without, so words missing diacritics are actually misspelled.  Always include the correct diacritics when writing words that contain them. Follow the lead of the individual you are writing about. If they include diacritics in their name, or they are commonly included when writing about the person, you should include them. (example: César Chávez) 

This list includes commonly used words and the spelling and capitalization that we will always use on our website. Unless otherwise noted, you can capitalize at the beginning of a sentence.

• audiobooks

• BiblioCommons

• CDs (no apostrophe)

• check out (verb) - example: You can check out library materials at the information desk.

• checkout (noun) - example: The checkout desk is located by the front door.

• COVID-19

• DVDs (no apostrophe)

• eResources (even at beginning of sentence)

• eAudiobooks (even at beginning of sentence)

• eBooks (even at beginning of sentence)

• eMagazines (even at beginning of sentence)

• email

• Finalist(s) (always capitalized) when referring to Oakland Youth Poet Laureate (OYPL) Finalists

• hotspot

• internet

• Latinx

• LGBTQIA+

• Library (proper noun - when referring to a specific library or library system) - examples: The Library is proud to offer a program on Thursday afternoon. The Melrose Branch Library is awesome.

• library (noun, not proper - when referring in general to a library or libraries): examples: A library is a great place to find books, computers, and friendly people. You might hope your library offers hotspots.

• LINK+

• log in (verb) - example: You will be asked to log in by using your barcode and PIN.

• login (noun or adjective) - examples: The login screen shows up after you hit enter. Your login is your barcode number.

• nonfiction

• OK

• PDF

• Poets Laureate (not Poet Laureates)

• self-service checkout (not self-check or self-checkout)

• storytime

• website

• WiFi

Also:

• Spell names of our eResources as they are spelled by the company. For example, hoopla is always lowercase.