Definition of a Library: General Definition

How do you define what a library is?

Definition of a Library

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
Standard identifies 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.

 The Librarian's Book of Lists by George M. Eberhart Eberhart has

collected a raft of arcane librariana and amusing

trivia for this browsable volume.
ISBN: 9780838910634

Publication Date: 2010-05-01

 ODLIS: Online Dictionary for Library and Information Science

ODLIS is designed as a hypertext reference resource for library and information

science professionals, university students and faculty, and users of all types of
libraries. Expansion of the dictionary is an ongoing process.
Broad in scope, ODLIS includes not only the terminology of the various
specializations within LIS but also the vocabulary of publishing, printing, binding,
the book trade, graphic arts, book history, literature, bibliography,
telecommunications, and computer science when, in the author's judgment, a
definition might prove useful to librarians and information specialists in their
work.

 IMLS Public Libraries in the United States Survey definitions

This is the list of state characteristics data element definitions for the Survey.

 ANSI/NISO Z39.7-2013 Information Services and Use: Metrics & Statistics for
Libraries and Information Providers Data Dictionary

This standard identifies categories for basic library statistical data reported at the
national level, and provides associated definitions of terms.

 Library-Related Acronyms and Initialisms

An alphabetical listing of library acronyms and initalisms including ALA units,

ALA publications, acronyms for a selected group of other library and related
organizations, and abbreviations commonly used in library literature.
Public Libraries

Per the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), a public library is
established under state enabling laws or regulations to serve a community, district, or
region, and provides at least the following:

1. an organized collection of printed or other library materials, or a

combination thereof;
2. paid staff;
3. an established schedule in which services of the staff are available to the
public;
4. the facilities necessary to support such a collection, staff, and schedule, and
5. is supported in whole or in part with public funds.

Public libraries continue to be places for education and self-help, and offer opportunity
for people of all ages and backgrounds. They offer opportunity for everyone to learn
and to pursue self-improvement. In response to community needs for information, many
libraries offer such programs as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes,
homework help, after-school programs for children, job information centers, assistance
for new immigrants, literacy programs, and much, much more. To serve such
community needs, public libraries collect and make available information in many,
many formats.

 Public Library Association

A division of the American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest
library association in the world. Founded in 1944, PLA is a member-driven
organization that exists to provide a diverse program of communication,
publication, advocacy, continuing education, and programming for its members
and others interested in the advancement of public library service.

School Libraries

Learning for life…whether the focus is on readiness for the next grade or college and
career readiness, the school library program plays a crucial role in preparing students for
st
informed living in the 21 century. The school library program provides learning
opportunities that enable students to become efficient and effective in the pursuit of
information.
Beyond its curricular role, the school library program gives each individual member of
the learning community a venue for exploring questions that arise out of individual
curiosity and personal interest. As part of the school library program, the school
librarian provides leadership in the use of information technologies and instruction for
both students and staff in how to use them constructively, ethically, and safely. The
school librarian offers expertise in accessing and evaluating information, using
information technologies, and collections of quality physical and virtual resources. In
addition, the school librarian possesses dispositions that encourage broad and deep
exploration of ideas as well as responsible use of information technologies. These
attributes add value to the school community.
The school library represents for students one of our most cherished freedoms--the
freedom to speak our minds and hear what others have to say. Students in America have
the right to choose what they will read, view, or hear and are expected to develop the
ability to think clearly, critically, and creatively about their choices, rather than allowing
others to do this for them.

 American Association of School Librarians (AASL)

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), is a division of the

American Library Association (ALA). It is the only national professional
membership organization focused on school librarians and the school library
community.

Academic Libraries
Academic libraries encompass research libraries, baccalaureate, masters and
doctoral degree granting institutions, junior and community colleges, and
distance learning programs of higher education. Academic libraries work together
with other members of their institutional communities to participate in, support, and achieve
the educational mission of their institutions by teaching the core competencies of
information literacy—the abilities involved in identifying an information need, accessing
needed information, evaluating, managing, and applying information, and understanding
the legal, social, and ethical aspects of information use. The systematic delivery of
instructional programs and services should be planned in concert with overall strategic
library planning, including the library’s budgeting process. Such planning may also involve
strategizing with other campus units to deliver collaboratively designed
programming. Research has shown that the academic library is a positive
influencing factor on students' academic success.

 Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL)

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) is the largest

division of the American Library Association (ALA). ACRL is the higher
education association for librarians. Representing more than academic and
research librarians and interested individuals, ACRL develops programs,
products and services to help academic and research librarians learn,
innovate and lead within the academic community.