Yours

2.2: Library Collections

Library Research and Information Literacy 2e · LibreTexts

0%

Contents

    Text

    Size
    100%
    Theme
    Typeface
    Line length
    Spacing

    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    The library's "collections" include all of the various resources that a library offers for loan. There are services and resources that are commonplace across almost all libraries, and then specialized resources offered by only particular types. Most commonly, there are two types of libraries:

    • Public libraries: Public libraries are state-funded institutions that offer free service to their community.
    • Academic libraries: Academic libraries are associated with a specific college or university, and offer services to the members of their institution. However, many academic libraries also offer services to the public as well!

    Library Collections

    Libraries loan (or "check out") many different types of resources. The physical collection is often made up of print books, periodicals such as newspapers and magazines, and often simple devices such as headphones, web cams, dry erase markers, or fidget toys. However, these physical collections can include a lot more! Below, is a list of common resources and the types of libraries where you might find them.

    Resource Public Library Academic Library
    Print Books, Magazines, Journals, and Videos green check mark green check mark
    Audiobooks and music green check mark green check mark
    Electronic books, journals, videos, and music green check mark green check mark
    Computers and WiFi green check mark green check mark
    Workshops on doing research green check mark green check mark
    Meeting/study space (including private study rooms) green check mark green check mark
    Printing and scanning green check mark green check mark
    Headphones green check mark green check mark
    Tools, small kitchen appliances, umbrellas, power washers, etc. green check mark  
    Specialized research sources such as substantial subject-specific databases   green check mark
    Laptops and chromebooks   green check mark

    Figure 2.2.1 Common Resources and the Types of Libraries Where You Might Find Them (CC BY-NC; Lyric Ripley)

    There are other types of libraries as well. Specialized libraries include law libraries, medical libraries, science libraries, corporate libraries, and more.

    This page was adapted from Library Collections and Services by Lyric Ripley, used under CC BY-NC 4.0.

    This page titled 2.2: Library Collections was last modified on Sat, 03 Oct 2026 20:29:25 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Kari Wergeland.