Library is a collection of information, sources, resources, books and services, and the building in which these collections are housed. The term “library” can mean the collection, the building that houses such a collection, or both. Modern libraries are now being redefined as places to get unrestricted access to information in many formats and sources. In addition to that, they also provide services of professionals such as specialists and librarians.

TYPES of LIBRARIES

Libraries can be classified into categories by some of the following methods;

1. By the entity they support; e.g. public libraries, school libraries, etc.
2. By the document they hold; e.g. Digital libraries, tool libraries, etc.
3. By the subjects of the documents they hold; e.g. Law libraries, fine art libraries,
4. By users they serve
5. By professional divisions

LIBRARY MANAGEMENT

The task of library managers include some of the following

1. The planning of which materials the library should acquire
2. Classification of the acquired materials
3. Preservation of materials
4. The de-accessioning of materials
5. Developing and administering library computer systems.

Academic and public library

The purpose of an academic library is to support teaching and research of a college or university. A public library on the other and house popular best-sellers, self-help books, repairs manuals and the likes. Public libraries rarely have scholar books and journals in their collections.

Online Libraries

Online libraries serves both public and academic purpose.

The library of congress is the oldest library in America; it is the world largest library and has in its collection millions of books, recordings, photographs, maps, manuscripts and many more. Library of congress is an agency of the legislative branch of U.S. government.
Questia Online Library

The library of congress was established by the act of congress in 1800, by President John Adams when he signed a bill providing for the transfer of the seat of government from Philadelphia to Washington. The philosophy behind the comprehensive collecting policies of library of congress is the retired President Thomas Jefferson’s concept of universality, that all subjects are important to the library of America Legislature. The library of Congress building opened its doors to the public on November 1, 1897.
Library of congress have in its collection more than 130 million items, that includes more than 29 million cataloged books and 460 languages printed materials; over 58 million manuscripts; the largest North America rare book collection and the largest collection of legal materials, firms, maps, sheet music and sound recordings in the world.

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