Families may use public libraries to gain access to recreational materials. Small-business owners may use public library collections to conduct research during the initial phases of forming a new business. Unemployed people use the collections to find information about job opportunities. Recent immigrants use the public library to gain language or literacy skills. With such diverse needs for information, public libraries face the increasingly difficult challenge of developing collections and services that reflect the full range of needs in their communities. A2Collections Because they serve such a diverse range of people, public libraries maintain collections that can span the spectrum of human knowledge and opinions. Collections include printed materials such as reference sets, paperback novels, biographies, children's and young adult literature, histories, newspapers, and magazines. They usually also contain photographs, maps, art reproductions, sound recordings, and video recordings. In addition to printed and audiovisual materials, most public libraries in the United States and Canada feature computer workstations with software, CD-ROMs, and connections to information worldwide through the Internet. As part of their mission to serve as a resource center for citizens in a participatory democracy, public libraries in the United States and Canada maintain collections of public records, public policy statements, government documents, and tax forms. Large public library buildings are organized into different sections that focus on specific collections or services. For example, most large public libraries divide their collections into different departments arranged by subject. Each department is staffed by its own librarian or group of librarians. A library may maintain separate departments for business and technology, humanities, children's materials, and government publications. Other typical features of large library buildings include reading rooms, special galleries for exhibitions, auditoriums for lectures or concerts, computer rooms, children's rooms, photocopy rooms, and classrooms. A3Lending Materials As part of their mission to provide information resources to the community, public libraries allow users to borrow items from their collections for limited amounts of time. To be eligible to borrow public library materials, a user must register her or his name, address, and other basic information with the local library's circulation department, which keeps track of the library's collections. Upon registering, users receive library cards, which they must present at the circulation desk when they wish to check out books or other materials. Some public libraries have self-checkout machines that automatically record the user's name, the item borrowed, and the length of time the user may keep the item. Public libraries typically allow users to borrow most materials for two to four weeks, although the borrowing periods may be shorter for popular items such as video tapes and best-selling novels. For more information, see the Borrowing Library Materials section of this article. A4Services for the Community In addition to maintaining diverse collections, public libraries offer an increasing variety of services and activities in response to community needs. Common services range from story hours, crafts, and puppet shows for children to computer technology workshops, concerts, and lecture series for users of all ages. Many public libraries sponsor exhibits about historical events and popular culture. In addition, they host book-discussion groups, lectures, film screenings, and live performances in auditoriums or public meeting rooms. Many public library staff members are specially trained to recommend books to users of particular age groups or with specific interests. The librarians who offer these services first discern the educational and recreational interests of a library user and then draw up a customized list of suggested titles for the user to read. For example, a librarian might prepare a list of items about the local court system for someone planning to testify in small-claims court. Or a children's librarian might compile a list of picture books for use by child-care providers. A5Reference Services Large public libraries employ professional reference librarians who assist users in finding information. Reference librarians are specially trained in research techniques that allow them to use the library's resources most effectively. Some public libraries also maintain information hotlines staffed by reference librarians who provide brief answers to specific questions. Users can generally access these information hotlines via the telephone, e-mail, conventional mail, or fax. In addition, many libraries offer public information and referral services, which direct users to nonprofit community groups that address particular needs. A6Services for Children and Young Adults Before the early 1900s, children under ten years of age were denied full borrowing privileges at public libraries. Today, public librarians consider service to youth a primary mission. Most public libraries feature children's rooms, where children's librarians and guest storytellers read stories to children to encourage a love of books and reading. Children's rooms may also feature computer workstations equipped with software designed for children. Some libraries sponsor children's programs in child-care centers, schools, homeless shelters, public housing facilities, and other locations. A few large public library systems in the United States and Canada feature special libraries for gifted children, for deaf or blind children, or for developmentally disabled children. As many as half the books circulated in some public libraries are borrowed by children. Many public libraries also develop specialized collections and facilities to meet the unique needs and interests of teenagers and young adults. Young people in this age group have generally lost interest in children's library materials, but many have not yet developed an interest in books and other materials from the collections designed for adult library users. Public librarians may be specially trained to interest teens and young adults in particular materials and to direct them to adult collections when they are ready. These librarians also attempt to reach young high school dropouts through contacts with community leaders, outreach centers, and employers. A major aim of library service to young people is to attract and keep them as readers of books and users of libraries in adult life. A7Multilingual Services As part of an effort to expand their services to all potential users, public libraries in the United States and Canada normally include foreign-language materials in their collections. These materials serve multilingual populations in the community as well as recent immigrants. Because Canada has two official languages, French and English, Canadian public libraries maintain collections in both languages. Many Canadian public libraries also maintain collections in various native languages to serve indigenous populations of Canada. The National Library of Canada, located in Ottawa, supports such efforts with the Multilingual Biblioservice, which loans collections of materials in various languages to local libraries for extended periods. The National Library of Québec furthers such work by maintaining large collections of French-Canadian heritage. A8Administration A public library is administered by a director who manages the staff and oversees all of the library's daily operations. The director usually reports to a board of trustees made up of citizens interested in improving local library service. In some communities voters elect library board members, but usually trustees are appointed by the local mayor and approved by the city council. The board of trustees establishes the library's operating policies, and the director is responsible for implementing those policies. In practice, however, it is customary for the director to identify the library's needs and then to recommend policies to the board. After reviewing the director's recommendations, the board can accept, modify, or reject the proposed policies. Although the director and the trustees often disagree about appropriate library policies, they must develop a strong working relationship based on mutual trust and respect if the library is to be successful in achieving its goals.
access amount areas borrow categories collections funds home managing public snes roms