Public Libraries
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
The public library is commonly considered to be one of the basic public buildings neccesary to form a city.
Libraries can be either autonomous, or be part of a library system. If they are part of a library system, there is usually a main library somewhere close by, which houses most of the administrative aspects of the system. Smaller libraries in the system are known as branch libraries. These answer to the main library, and rely on it for vital services.
The main function of a library is to stock books which the public may look through, or borrow for a certain amount of time. Libraries also maintain subscriptions to periodicals1 for people to read. Computers are generally provided, and these can serve a multitude of purposes.
Materials
Adult Books
Adult books are divided into Fiction and Nonfiction. Fiction is defined as a book whose subject matter is imaginary, whereas nonfiction books refer to actual places, things, or events. Nonfiction is divided into regular, oversized2, and reference. Reference books must remain inside the library at all times, and may not be borrowed. All nonfiction books are classified according to the Dewey Decimal System3, which divides books up according to subject matter.
Fiction is divided up by genre. Common divisions are Regular Fiction, Westerns, Romances, Science Fiction, Short Stories, and Mysteries. Different library systems have different methods of seperating these. Some put them all together, while some seperate certain genres, like Mysteries and Science Fiction, and put the rest all together. Many libraries also seperate out paperbacks, and keep these apart from the hardcover books. Books are shelved alphabetically according to the last name of the author. If more than one author share the same last name, then the first name is also taken into account. As with nonfiction, multiple books by the same author are then alphabetized by title4.
Children's Books
The way children's books are divided is similar to that for adult books. Fiction and nonfiction are organized the same way that adult books are, although there is an extra section for Picture Books, which are books ocntaining large illustrations with little or no text.
Periodicals
Generally, each library, whether it is an autonomous or a branch library, maintains its own collection of periodicals, New issues are placed out for the public to look at, and older issues are stored, either om their original form, or on microfilm, for research purposes. Different library systems have different policies about lending periodicals. Some systems may allow you to borrow them, and others might not.
Computers
Most libraries now keep their catalogs on computers, rather than on cards5. Many libraries are now equipped to provide high-speed internet access from these computers, allowing people to gain access to informational sources outside the walls of the library. These computers can also be equipped with various informational programs on CD-ROM. These vary from serious research tools to educational software for children.
Circulation
Most libraries allow their books to circulate6. The lending period varies wildly between systems, ranging from 2 weeks to 2 months. Circulation records are stored in a computer database, which means that they can be cross-referenced with the public catalogs to allow them to show what is checked out. For books which are not returned by the due date, most libraries charge a small fine per day.
1also known as magazines2The minimum requirement for an oversize books varies between libraries, but generally it's any book with a spine length over 33cm (13 inches).3Also known as Call Numbers4The words "the," "and," and "a" are ignored for this purpose5Card catalogs are a system whereby each book in the library had its own index card. cards are organized in drawers to allow people to find books6To be borrowed
