There are four main types of libraries: public libraries, which serve the general public; school libraries, which support students and curriculum; academic libraries, which serve students and faculty with in-depth coverage of subject areas; and special libraries, which have specialized collections focused on a particular topic for members of an organization. Each library type has a different purpose and scope of coverage.

1. Types of Libraries
Athens State University Library

2. Purposes of Libraries
• Organization
• Access
• Preservation
• Instruction (academic libraries)

3. Not all libraries are the same…
• Four types:
• Public Library
• School Library
• Academic Library
• Special Library
Athens-Limestone Public Library Logo

4. Public Libraries
• Serve the general public
• Broad range of topics
• Wide range of age groups
• No great depth of coverage
• Local history is the exception
Athens-Limestone Public Library,
Alabama Collection

5. School Libraries
• Serves the students and faculty/staff
• Supports the curriculum and objectives of the school
• Collection is grade level appropriate
• Broad range of topics, but not as broad as in the Public Library
• No in depth coverage
Athens High School Library

6. Academic Libraries
• Serves students and faculty/staff
• Also might serve the community
• Collection focuses on the
curriculum and research of the
institution
• Much more depth in subject
areas, but not as broad of
coverage as the Public Library
• Less works of fiction
• Periodical section will include
more scholarly titles
Athens State University Library

7. Special Libraries
• Examples: law libraries,
company libraries, medical
libraries, museum libraries and
club/organization libraries
• Serves only that organization’s
members
• Specialized collection
• Focused and in-depth coverage
of a topic
Elbert Parsons Law Library
http://huntsvillehistorycollection.org