What is a “Library”?
The word "library" seems to be used in so many different aspects now, from the brick-and-mortar public library to the digital library.Public libraries—and indeed, all libraries--are changing and dynamic places where librarians help people find the best source of information whether it's a book, a web site, or database entry.
In The Librarian’s Book of Lists (Chicago: ALA, 2010), George Eberhart offers this definition:
"A library is a collection of resources in a variety of formats that is (1) organized by information professionals or other experts who (2) provide convenient physical, digital, bibliographic, or intellectual access and (3) offer targeted services and programs (4) with the mission of educating, informing, or entertaining a variety of audiences (5) and the goal of stimulating individual learning and advancing society as a whole." (p.1)
This definition is in turn compiled from:
(1) Heartsill Young, ed., The ALA Glossary of Library and Information Science (ALA, 1983)
(2) Robert S. Martin, "Libraries and Learners in the Twenty-First Century," Cora Paul Bomar Lecture, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, April 5, 2003.
(3) Deanna B. Marcum, "Research Questions for the Digital Era Library," Library Trends 51 (Spring 2003): 636-651.
Another general definition of library is from the Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science (ODLIS):
“Library -- from the Latin liber, meaning "book." In Greek and the Romance languages, the corresponding term is bibliotheca. A collection or group of collections of books and/or other print or nonprint materials organized and maintained for use (reading, consultation, study, research, etc.). Institutional libraries, organized to facilitate access by a specific clientele, are staffed by librarians and other personnel trained to provide services to meet user needs. By extension, the room, building, or facility that houses such a collection, usually but not necessarily built for that purpose. Directory information on libraries is available alphabetically by country in World Guide to Libraries, a serial published by K.G. Saur. Two comprehensive worldwide online directories of library homepages are Libdex and Libweb. See also the UNESCO Libraries Portal. Abbreviated lib. See also: academic library, government library, monastic library, new library, proto-library, public library, special library, and subscription library.
ANSI/NISO Z39.7-2013-Information Services and Use: Metrics & Statistics for Libraries and Information Providers : Data Dictionary : an American National Standardidentifies categories for basic library statistical data reported at the national level, and provides associated definitions of terms” (p. 1), including the main types of libraries (public, academic, special, school, medical, etc.).
The American Library Association has also curated a listing of library related acronyms and initalisms.
FAQs
"A library is a collection of resources in a variety of formats that is (1) organized by information professionals or other experts who (2) provide convenient physical, digital, bibliographic, or intellectual access and (3) offer targeted services and programs (4) with the mission of educating, informing, or ...
What is a library best definition? ›
library in American English
1. a place set apart to contain books, periodicals, and other material for reading, viewing, listening, study, or reference, as a room, set of rooms, or building where books may be read or borrowed. 2. a public body organizing and maintaining such an establishment.
What is the legal definition of library? ›
Library means an organized collection of resources made accessible to the public for reference or borrowing supported with money derived from taxation.
What is the definition of a library according to the Oxford dictionary? ›
1a building in which collections of books, CDs, newspapers, etc. are kept for people to read, study, or borrow a public/reference/university, etc. library a library book. Definitions on the go. Look up any word in the dictionary offline, anytime, anywhere with the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary app.
What is the definition of library according to Unesco? ›
Organisation, or part of an organisation, whose main aims are to build and maintain a collection and to facilitate the use of such information resources and facilities as are required to meet the informational, research, educational, cultural or recreational needs of its users; these are the basic requirements for a ...
What is the Cambridge definition of library? ›
a building, room, or organization that has a collection esp. of books, music, and information that can be accessed by computer for people to read, use, or borrow: a library book.
How many books is considered a library? ›
Generally, a larger collection tends to offer a wider range of resources, diverse subjects, and a more comprehensive reference base. However, there is no fixed number of books that automatically designates a collection as a library.
How do you define library in the 21st century? ›
An information centre or store house of information which is decked with the responsibility of providing maximum satisfaction to information needs of its user through the use of automated, virtual or digital methods.
Is a library defined as a treasure of knowledge? ›
Library means a house of books. But its true meaning is the centre of precious knowledge. It's a treasure trove of new and old ideas and insights. People who come here not only spend their time, but also expand their wealth of knowledge.
What makes a library a standard library? ›
Standard libraries typically include definitions for commonly used algorithms, data structures, and mechanisms for input and output. Depending on the constructs made available by the host language, a standard library may include: Subroutines.
A library is a collection of resources that provide information and entertainment. A library has books, newspapers, magazines, films, audio recordings, and computer software. Workers called librarians keep the resources in order and show people how to find and use them.
What is the best definition of a school library? ›
noun. a library within a school where teachers and students have access to books and other resources. Collins English Dictionary.
What is library in one sentence? ›
a building that houses a collection of books and other materials. 1. My library books are a week overdue. 2. The city is planning to build a municipal library.
What is the main purpose of library? ›
Libraries play an essential role in local communities by providing access to information and resources, supporting literacy and education, promoting lifelong learning, and serving as a community gathering space. So the importance of libraries can be experienced by all community members.
What is a “Library”?