Library (institution)

D

Borrowing Periods

Most public libraries allow users to borrow materials for two to four weeks. However, some libraries establish shorter borrowing periods for selected popular items—such as new best-selling novels, popular nonfiction, and videos—so that greater numbers of users may have access to them. Libraries also try to provide greater access to popular materials by stocking multiple copies of these items, so that even if one or two copies are lent out, additional copies may remain for other users. Public libraries often allow users to borrow fine art, such as framed prints or photographs, for longer periods, sometimes as long as six months.

Most libraries allow users to reserve or place holds on items already borrowed by another user. When a user places a hold on a particular item, the library adds her name to a list of people waiting for that same item. When the item becomes available, the library contacts the user by phone, mail, or e-mail. Most libraries allow users to renew borrowed materials for another complete borrowing period if there are no other users waiting for the same items. Libraries with automated circulation systems typically allow users to renew their borrowed materials over the telephone or through e-mail.

E

Overdue Policies

When borrowed items become overdue, libraries send users an overdue notice, sometimes followed by a telephone call. If the item is still not returned after a time established by the library’s circulation policies, the library sends the borrower a final overdue notice or a bill listing any fines the user has incurred. Most libraries suspend a user’s borrowing privileges after the user fails to return items. An increasing number of libraries also have a policy of using collection agencies or credit bureaus to collect fines for long-overdue materials.

F

Interlibrary Loans

Most circulation departments provide interlibrary loan services, which allow users to request items from other libraries that participate in interlibrary loan networks. Interlibrary loans give users access to resources not available in their own libraries. However, most libraries limit the kinds of materials that are available in an interlibrary loan. For example, videos, sound recordings, and computer software are often not available through interlibrary loan even though they may be borrowed directly from the library that maintains these items. In large library systems, the circulation department at the central library generally coordinates interlibrary distribution of library materials to users of the various branches who request these items.

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Library users typically request interlibrary loan materials at the circulation desk of their local library. Users with connections to the Internet can access the catalogs of remote libraries online. That way the users can determine whether these libraries own desired material and whether that material is available through interlibrary loan. In addition, online users can often request items directly from a remote library that participates in an interlibrary loan network with the user’s local library. When users request materials through an interlibrary loan program, the materials from the remote library are usually delivered to the user’s local library through mail or delivery services. Increasingly, however, libraries share copies of materials using the Internet or facsimile transmissions (faxes). This enables libraries to share subscriptions to expensive journals, reduce institutional costs, and save space on library shelves while providing access to many more titles than any one library can afford.

VI

Reference

Because libraries provide access to ever-expanding sources of knowledge, finding specific pieces of information is often a complex procedure. To assist users in finding information, most academic and large public libraries employ professional reference librarians who have special training in research techniques and information retrieval. Reference librarians help individuals and organizations find information and make effective use of library resources. Reference librarians are also available to recommend notable works of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, as well as videos and sound recordings.

Materials in the library’s reference section include items such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, atlases, and handbooks. These materials are generally stored next to the library’s reference desk. They are typically unavailable for circulation so that all users can access them at any given time. Some public libraries offer quick reference services over the telephone. For questions that require more extensive research, a reference librarian will often refer users to staff members who specialize in a particular subject, or they will consult online databases. At some public and academic libraries, reference librarians charge a small fee to perform research using online resources.

Large public libraries may employ reference librarians who specialize in children’s materials. Because children are often relatively inexperienced in library use, they frequently turn to reference librarians for assistance in finding materials. Many children ask questions related to their school work, but they also request information about hobbies, popular culture, and social issues that interest them. Parents, guardians, and child-care providers also turn to children’s reference librarians for assistance in finding information on issues such as child development, education, nutrition, and health.

Reference work requires skill in interpersonal communication, familiarity with the expanding array of information sources, and a command of general knowledge. Reference librarians attempt to anticipate users’ questions and to improve the quality of library services by preparing guides, brochures, multimedia presentations, and self-tutorials on effective library use. In many academic institutions, reference librarians offer courses in library use and research strategies.

VII

Careers in Library Work

Librarianship—the science of managing the operations of a library—did not emerge as a distinct and separate profession until the end of the 19th century. Until then, the individuals who oversaw library operations usually combined these duties with their work in other professions. For example, in the Middle Ages priests or university professors often assumed the responsibilities of managing library operations. As education for librarians became standardized during the 20th century, the profession eventually became well established. Librarianship developed further as professional librarians established networks and associations through which they shared a body of knowledge, published professional journals, and instituted codes of ethics.

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