Library and Society: Role, Types and Functions of Libraries
What the exam tests
This domain asks you to explain the library as a social institution, distinguish library types, and connect each type to its functions. Expect description-based questions: a short scenario names a library's users and funding, and you must name the type and justify it.
Core rules and concepts
- Five laws of library science (S.R. Ranganathan): books are for use; every reader his or her book; every book its reader; save the time of the reader; the library is a growing organism.
- Public library: open to all, usually free, funded by local or state government; lends general materials and runs community services.
- School library: supports the school curriculum and teachers; collection is selected for pupils and staff.
- Academic library: in colleges and universities; supports teaching, learning and research.
- Special library: attached to a firm, hospital, museum or government department; subject-specific and service-specific.
- National library: legal deposit, national bibliography, preservation and research support.
- Functions: informational, educational, recreational, cultural, research and preservation.
Worked example
A district-level library is funded by the state government, admits any resident without a fee, and lends popular fiction, textbooks and magazines. It is a public library: open access for all residents, public funding, general collection and community service. It is not an academic library because it has no college or university affiliation, and not a special library because its users are not limited to one organisation.
Traps
Do not label a school library as a public library merely because children use it. Do not confuse a special library with a special collection. Learn the five laws in order and do not reduce the fifth law to 'more books' - it means the library changes with user needs.