Each library
is organized for the best use of its primary customers.
Public
libraries support the recreation, business, and citizenship
needs and reflect the ethnic, linguistic, socio-economic, and other demographic characteristics of their communities.
Special
libraries support the information needs of their employers
(law firms, corporate research & development, hospitals, etc.)
School
library and media centers support the classroom activities
of elementary and secondary school students.
Academic
libraries (undergraduate libraries and the libraries
of small colleges and universities and community colleges) support the
course work of their students, with some collections devoted to research.
Research
libraries are maintained at large research universities
and support both student course work and faculty research. These are typically
the world's largest libraries.
To make
finding sources easier, librarians categorize materials using various characteristics,
such as format (video, book, Web site), source type (reference, fiction),
and subject (engineering, social work, sports). These collections may be
arranged by room, floor, Web page, or building. Explore the sample library sections below (click rooms
for more info).
Reference librarians can help you find/use
reference materials, search databases, develop research strategies,
and almost anything related to information-seeking.
Circulation is responsible for checking library materials
in and out, maintaining reserve readings for courses, and handling
requests for checked out or missing material.
Interlibrary
Loan borrows material for you from libraries around the
region and the world. If you need an article or book your library
doesn't own, ask for interlibrary loan help.
