Each library is organized for the best use of
its primary customers.
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Public libraries support
the recreation, business, and citizenship needs
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.
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.
InterlibraryLoan
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.
