Library

:Alternative meanings: Library (computer science), Library (electronics), Library (biology)

Types of libraries

Libraries can be divided into categories by several methods:

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• by the entity (institution, municipality, or corporate body) that supports or perpetuates it
• private libraries
• corporate libraries
• federal libraries
• academic libraries
• historical society libraries
• by the type of documents or materials it holds
• digital libraries
• picture (photograph) libraries
• slide libraries
• tool libraries
• by the subject matter of documents it holds
• architecture libraries
• fine arts libraries
• military libraries
• medical libraries
• law libraries
• by the users it serves
• military communities
• by traditional professional divisions:
• Academic libraries -- These libraries are located on the campuses of colleges and universities and serve primarily the students and faculty of that and other academic institutions.
• School libraries -- Most public and private primary and secondary schools have libraries designed to support the curriculum.
• Public libraries or public lending libraries -- These libraries provide service to the general public and make at least some of their books available for borrowing, so that readers may use them at home over a period of days or weeks. Many public libraries also serve as community organizations that provide free services and events to the public, particularly children.
• Special libraries -- All other libraries fall into this category by default. Many private businesses and public organizations, including hospitals, museums, research laboratories, law firms, and many government departments and agencies, maintain their own libraries for the use of their employees in doing specialized research related to their work. Special libraries may or may not be accessible to some identified part of the general public.

Also, the governments of most major countries support national libraries. Two noteworthy examples are the U.S. Library of Congress and the British Library.

Related Topics:
National libraries - Library of Congress - British Library

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