10 Key Uses of Library

 

Traditionally, a library is seen as physical space (house) emphasizing physical (print) collections. Importance is on storage and preservation of physical items particularly books and periodicals. Information is physically gathered in one place and users must visit the library to use the resources. 

However, the introduction of ICT, which brought about the introduction of new formats of information, has given the concept of library a new definition.

A library is a collection of materials, books or media that are accessible for use and not just for display purposes. A library provides physical or digital access materials, and may be a physical location or a virtual space, or both.

“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 non-print materials organized and maintained for use (reading, consultation, study, research, etc.)

Another general definition of library is from the Online Dictionary of Library and Information Science (ODLIS)

In Greek and the Romance languages, the corresponding term is bibliotheca. A collection or group of collections of books and/or other print or non-print 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 library See also: academic library, government library, monastic library, new library, proto-library, public library, special library, and subscription library.

We must not give up on libraries due to the digital age. Nothing can ever replace the authenticity and reliability one gets from a library.

This article provides 10 key uses of library.

 

Read: What Is Library? and Its Uses

10 Uses of Library

Libraries play a vital role in providing people with reliable content. They encourage and promote the process of learning and grasping knowledge. The book worms can get loads of books to read from and enhance their knowledge. Moreover, the variety is so wide-ranging that one mostly gets what they are looking for.

The following are the 10 key uses of library:

1. Useful platform that brings together people

A library is a very useful platform that brings together people willing to learn. It helps us in learning and expanding our knowledge.

 

2. It Provide authentic and reliable sources of information

Similarly, libraries provide authentic and reliable sources of information for researchers. They are able to complete their papers and carry out their studies using the material present in a library.

 

3. It Help in increasing our Concentration Levels

Libraries also help in increasing our concentration levels. As it is a place that requires pin drop silence, a person can study or read in silence. It makes us focus on our studies more efficiently.

Libraries also broaden our thinking and make us more open to modern thinking.

 

4. Libraries are very economical

Most importantly, libraries are very economical. The people who cannot afford to buy new books and can simply borrow books from a library. This helps them in saving a lot of money and getting information for free.

 

Read: What is an Undergraduate Degree?

5. It is great place to gain knowledge

In short, libraries are a great place to gain knowledge. They serve each person differently. They are a great source of learning and promoting the progress of knowledge. One can enjoy their free time in libraries by reading and researching. As the world has become digitized, it is now easier to browse through a library and get what you are looking for.

 

6. Provide employment opportunities

Libraries also provide employment opportunities to people with fair pay and incredible working conditions. Thus, libraries help all, the ones visiting it and the ones employed there.

 

7. Opportunities for learning and discovery

Library offers so many more opportunities for learning and discovery than just checking out books, and most are them are free. Libraries often provide public facilities for access to their electronic resources and the Internet.

 

8. It provide quiet areas for studying

Libraries often provide quiet areas for studying, and they also often offer common areas to facilitate group study and collaboration.  Furthermore, libraries are a great place for studying alone or even in groups, without any disturbance.

 

9. Reading habits development

We develop our reading habits from a library and satisfy our thirst and curiosity for knowledge. This helps in the personal growth of a person and development.

 

10.  Free passes to local destinations

One of the neatest programs our library has is the Cultural Pass to Adventure which allows families to go to any of seven different local destinations including our Children’s Museum, Japanese Garden, and Museum of Rocks and Minerals. 

Passes are only good for one day and cannot be checked out regularly but they give families the opportunity to go to educational destinations, for free.   

The library is a great place to find existing book clubs to join or the place to start a new one.  Libraries often host author readings and book signings, another great place to meet like-minded readers.