There are FOUR main types of libraries in the United States today, each with separate missions and types of collections.
Academic Libraries
All college and university libraries are called academic libraries. Academic libraries strive to meet the needs of the students and faculty of that college or university. Many are also open to the public. Most four-year colleges and universities have quite large and specialized library collections. Several that you can use as a GCC student include...
Public Libraries
All city and county libraries for the general public are called public libraries. Public libraries have a much broader mission to provide services and collections for the range of people within their service area, from young children to senior citizens. Local public libraries include...
School Libraries
All libraries in public and private schools (K–12) are called school libraries. The collections and services of school libraries are geared for the age of the students at the school. Example: South Pasadena Middle School Library.
Special Libraries
Special libraries are frequently attached to major corporations or institutions such as government departments, hospitals, museums, or other research organizations. These libraries focus on meeting the special needs of the specific organizations. Special libraries may be very small or large, narrow or wide-ranging in their collections, public or private. Special libraries may cooperate widely with other libraries. Examples of types of special libraries include:
NOTE: Some Libraries belong to more than one type of library. For example, UCLA libraries are considered academic as well as research, and the Huntington Library is a special library as well as a research library.
Glendale Community College | 1500 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, California 91208 | Tel: 818.240.1000
GCC Home © 2024 - Glendale Community College. All Rights Reserved.