Types of Libraries

Types of Libraries Having looked at the different definitions of

Library and why we have to study the library. It is important that we also discuss the various

types of libraries and that which is relevant to you as students in the University.

Libraries can be categorised based on their collections (i.e. resources, materials and equipment available in them) and the group of people they serve (i.e. clients served or affiliations).

We can therefore categorise Libraries into six types, i.e.: National Library Public Libraries School Libraries Special Libraries International Libraries Academic Libraries

National Library This is the apex library of any given Country. It is also called the Library of Libraries – as it

serves as a focal point for overall library and information services in the country.

In Nigeria, it is called the National Library of Nigeria, with its headquarter at Abuja.

They are responsible for the issuing authority of registration numbers for publications emanating from Nigerian publishing houses.

i.e. they issue ISBN (International Standard Book Number) to books and ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) to journals and magazines.

In other words, the National Library is the legal depository for books, periodicals and other information materials relating to the country.

Their other functions include: To collect and preserve national literature To serve as a permanent depository for all documents

issued in the country To publish the national bibliography To acquire foreign documents of national importance and

interest To serve as a co-ordinating centre for co-operative activities To serve as a national bibliographic information centre To provide leadership and advice necessary to achieve co-

ordinated library and information development.

Public Libraries Also called Circulating Library It is one which is accessible to the general

public, and usually from public sources (tax payer’s fund).

They are usually owned by State Governments and Local Governments.

Their mandate is to serve the public’s information needs, as well as offering materials for general entertainment and leisure purposes.

Characteristics of Public Libraries They are owned and funded by the Government

(Federal, State, Local). It’s a ‘People’s University’ i.e. the users are made

up of the educated, retirees, farmers, market women, youths, children etc..

The collections are made up of different formats. Users are usually large in numbers compared to

special libraries Their use is heterogeneous (due to the different

categories of customers) The Librarians offer reference services. (i.e.

involved in researching and finding answers for the clients on request).

Functions of Public Libraries Creating and strengthening reading habits in children from an early

age. Supporting both individual and self-conducted education at all levels. Providing opportunities for personal creative development. Stimulating the imagination and creativity of children and young

people. Promoting awareness of cultural heritage, appreciation of the arts,

scientific achievements and innovations. Providing access to cultural expressions of all performing arts. Fostering inter-cultural dialogue and favouring cultural diversity. Supporting the oral tradition Ensuring access for citizens to all sorts of community information. Providing adequate information services to local enterprises,

associations and interest groups. Facilitating the development of information and computer literacy skills Supporting and participating in library activities and programmes for

all age groups, and initiating such activities if necessary.

School Libraries These are libraries that are established in

primary or secondary schools (aka School Library Medic Centre).

Their goal is to acquire current and relevant materials that will support the school curriculum.

Another goal is ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access to books and reading, to information, and to information technology.

Characteristics of School Libraries It exists to provide a range of learning opportunities

for both large and small groups as well as individuals with a focus on intellectual content, information literacy, and the learner.

The users are made of pupils, secondary school students, teachers and members of the community.

The collections are usually small compared to academic or public libraries

The school librarian performs four main leadership roles: teacher, instructional partner, information specialist, and programme adminstrator.

School libraries prepare students for future academic challenges.

Functions Supporting and enhancing educational goals as outlined in the

school’s mission and curriculum Developing and sustaining in children the habit and enjoyment of

reading and learning, and the use of libraries throughout their lives; Offering opportunities for experiences in creating and using

information for knowledge, understanding, imagination and enjoyment.

Supporting all students in learning and practising skills for evaluating and using information – regardless of form/format.

Providing access to local, regional, national and global resources and opportunities that expose learners to diverse ideas, experiences and opinions,

Organizing activities that encourage cultural and social awareness ands sensitivity;

Proclaiming the concept that intellectual freedom and access to information are essential to effective and responsible citizenship and participation in a democracy.

Special Libraries They are those libraries essentially meant for

research on a particular field of study, and are patronized by specialists and researchers.

They are established to meet the highly specialised requirements of professional or business groups.

It could also be special if it collects specialised collection such as films, museum objects or maps.

If it also serves a particular group of users such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, etc.

Characteristics Provision of information resources for practical

purposes i.e. information provided must be quick and practical.

Librarians are involved in researching and finding answers for the clients rather than client seeking for information.

Users are typically homogenous. Users are few compared to public and

academic libraries. The collections are highly specialised and are

generally made available to specific users. The collections are directly and narrowly

related to the mission of the organisation.

Functions Provide reference services and research

services They offer current awareness services They survey users’ needs of periodicals and

circulate them to readers as the issues arrive They offer acquisition bulletin services to their

clients.

Academic Libraries Academic libraries exist in Institutions of

higher education such as Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Colleges of Technology etc...

i.e. tertiary institutions (after secondary education).

Aim is to provide current and relevant information resources that will meet the needs of students, faculty, staff and the university community.

Characteristics The collections are usually large and reflect

the programmes of the institution. Users are usually large in numbers compared

to special libraries Their use is heterogeneous due to different

programmes run by the institution The librarians offer reference services to the

users. The library gives formal or informal training to

the user for effective use of the library.

Functions It supports the institutional curriculum by meeting the

information needs of the faculty, staff, students and the people outside the academic community, though the collection of relevant, current, and adequate information resources in different formats.

It organises library collections for easy retrieval. Information resources acquired are systematically catalogued, classified and stored.

They disseminate the information resources to meet the library’s users’ needs.

It provides services such as current awareness, loaning, referencing and selective dissemination of information.

Offers users’ education for effective utilisation of library resources.