Library Science : Introduction
Libraries are repositories of knowledge, information and entertainment.
The basic aim of library is to disseminate knowledge. With the upsurge
in the number of institutes in the field of learning and the intensification
of research activities, the importance of libraries is also growing. This
has made the librarianship attain the status of a separate discipline
in the universe of knowledge. Librarianship is the profession which concerns
with organising, maintenance and storage of books in a library. Librarians
are the custodians of library. Librarians assist people in finding information
and using it effectively in their personal and professional lives. (They
help people to navigate the increasingly far-flung and voluminous world
of data.)
Libraries contain books, periodicals, micro-films, videos, cassettes
and slides - for education, research, reference and pleasure. Those who
systematically catalogue, store and display these items are librarians.
The traditional concept of a library is being redefined, from a place
to access paper records or books, to one which also houses the most advanced
media, including CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and remote access
to a wide range of resources.
There are different kinds of libraries depending upon the individuals
to which it is catering. Various kinds of libraries are public, reference,
children’s libraries and those attached to offices and institutions of
both private and public. These could include a mobile lending library.
There are also specialist libraries attached to the research and academic
institutions that cater to specific readers in specific subjects
such as medicine, engineering, art, music, or types of books such as Braille
or collections for children.
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