Library (institution)

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Collections

Because they serve such a diverse range of people, public libraries maintain collections that can span the spectrum of human knowledge and opinions. Collections include printed materials such as reference sets, paperback novels, biographies, children’s and young adult literature, histories, newspapers, and magazines. They usually also contain photographs, maps, art reproductions, sound recordings, and video recordings. In addition to printed and audiovisual materials, most public libraries in the United States and Canada feature computer workstations with software, CD-ROMs, and connections to information worldwide through the Internet. As part of their mission to serve as a resource center for citizens in a participatory democracy, public libraries in the United States and Canada maintain collections of public records, public policy statements, government documents, and tax forms.

Large public library buildings are organized into different sections that focus on specific collections or services. For example, most large public libraries divide their collections into different departments arranged by subject. Each department is staffed by its own librarian or group of librarians. A library may maintain separate departments for business and technology, humanities, children’s materials, and government publications. Other typical features of large library buildings include reading rooms, special galleries for exhibitions, auditoriums for lectures or concerts, computer rooms, children’s rooms, photocopy rooms, and classrooms.

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Lending Materials

As part of their mission to provide information resources to the community, public libraries allow users to borrow items from their collections for limited amounts of time. To be eligible to borrow public library materials, a user must register her or his name, address, and other basic information with the local library’s circulation department, which keeps track of the library’s collections. Upon registering, users receive library cards, which they must present at the circulation desk when they wish to check out books or other materials. Some public libraries have self-checkout machines that automatically record the user’s name, the item borrowed, and the length of time the user may keep the item. Public libraries typically allow users to borrow most materials for two to four weeks, although the borrowing periods may be shorter for popular items such as video tapes and best-selling novels. For more information, see the Borrowing Library Materials section of this article.

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Services for the Community

In addition to maintaining diverse collections, public libraries offer an increasing variety of services and activities in response to community needs. Common services range from story hours, crafts, and puppet shows for children to computer technology workshops, concerts, and lecture series for users of all ages. Many public libraries sponsor exhibits about historical events and popular culture. In addition, they host book-discussion groups, lectures, film screenings, and live performances in auditoriums or public meeting rooms. Many public library staff members are specially trained to recommend books to users of particular age groups or with specific interests. The librarians who offer these services first discern the educational and recreational interests of a library user and then draw up a customized list of suggested titles for the user to read. For example, a librarian might prepare a list of items about the local court system for someone planning to testify in small-claims court. Or a children’s librarian might compile a list of picture books for use by child-care providers.

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Reference Services

Large public libraries employ professional reference librarians who assist users in finding information. Reference librarians are specially trained in research techniques that allow them to use the library’s resources most effectively. Some public libraries also maintain information hotlines staffed by reference librarians who provide brief answers to specific questions. Users can generally access these information hotlines via the telephone, e-mail, conventional mail, or fax. In addition, many libraries offer public information and referral services, which direct users to nonprofit community groups that address particular needs.

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Services for Children and Young Adults

Before the early 1900s, children under ten years of age were denied full borrowing privileges at public libraries. Today, public librarians consider service to youth a primary mission. Most public libraries feature children’s rooms, where children’s librarians and guest storytellers read stories to children to encourage a love of books and reading. Children’s rooms may also feature computer workstations equipped with software designed for children. Some libraries sponsor children’s programs in child-care centers, schools, homeless shelters, public housing facilities, and other locations. A few large public library systems in the United States and Canada feature special libraries for gifted children, for deaf or blind children, or for developmentally disabled children. As many as half the books circulated in some public libraries are borrowed by children.

Many public libraries also develop specialized collections and facilities to meet the unique needs and interests of teenagers and young adults. Young people in this age group have generally lost interest in children’s library materials, but many have not yet developed an interest in books and other materials from the collections designed for adult library users. Public librarians may be specially trained to interest teens and young adults in particular materials and to direct them to adult collections when they are ready. These librarians also attempt to reach young high school dropouts through contacts with community leaders, outreach centers, and employers. A major aim of library service to young people is to attract and keep them as readers of books and users of libraries in adult life.

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