Academic, Public, Special, and School Libraries
The Variety of Libraries in the Twenty-First Century
Jan 19, 2009
Although the library is a collection of information, sources, resources, and services, and the structure in which it is housed, there are many types of libraries with their own distinct features and functions. Let’s take a look at the types of libraries most common to libraries across the world.
Academic Libraries
Located on the campuses of colleges and universities, academic libraries serve primarily the students, faculty, and researchers. Some academic libraries, especially those at public institutions, are accessible to members of the general public as well However, in some countries, such as those in Asia, academic libraries are private institutions exclusive to the public and community.
Public Libraries
Public libraries provide service to the general public and have collections that are available for borrowing by the public, often allowing readers to use them at home over a period of days or weeks. Often considered an essential cultural institution, public libraries exist in most nations of the world and are distinct from the other types of libraries in that their mandate is to serve the public's information needs generally. In doing so, public libraries not only issue library cards to community members wishing to borrow books, but also provide free services and events to the public, such as reading groups and toddler story time.
School Libraries
Most public and private primary and secondary schools have libraries designed to support the school's curriculum. A school library (or a school library media center) is a library within a school where students, staff, and often, parents of a public (state) or private (fee paying) school have access to a variety of resources. The goal of the school library media center is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access. However, school libraries have been hit most recently due to the budget cuts, and as a result, staff and hours have been reduced significantly across the nation.
Special Libraries
All other libraries fall into this category. Both private and public organizations, such as business corporations, hospitals, museums, research laboratories, law firms, and government agencies, maintain their own libraries for the use of their employees in doing specialized research related to their work. Not accessible to the general public, most special libraries exist to serve a very narrow niche of clientele.
Libraries are no longer a generic composition of book collections. They come in many shapes and sizes, and the types of people they serve, are a reflection of how much change libraries have undergone in the past century.
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