What are libraries for: history, types and reviews

The amazing creation of people is the book, and libraries are an integral part of the culture of each country. Likhachev Dmitry Sergeevich once correctly said that if the library is properly organized, then the culture can be revived, even if educational institutions disappear. But not all people understand what libraries are for.

Necessity of libraries

In the olden days libraries were storages of manuscripts, and after the ancient times they were transformed into public centers that were supposed to popularize knowledge. Russia saw them for the first time somewhere in the 11th-12th centuries.

Today it is in this place you can find absolutely different books from the desired field for work, study and just pleasure. So why do we need libraries?

The main purpose of the book depository is the organization of collection, preservation, as well as the social use of books and other printed publications. Initially, libraries were needed for self-learning and gaining knowledge. They need absolutely everything: preschoolers, schoolchildren, students, pensioners and scientists.

Scientists have proved that the human brain can contain more information than in the Library of Congress of America. However, mankind has not yet learned to use all the possibilities of the brain, and therefore the book storehouses will not disappear and will be needed. Now everyone knows what libraries are for.

The first libraries

In ancient times, so-called libraries were formed in Asia. In Nippur, a unique collection of tablets from clay (2500 BC), which is called the primitive book depository, was found. A little later in the pyramid of the pharaoh found papyri.

In the fourth century BC. In Hercules opened the first so-called open library in Greece. In the third century BC. Founded the Alexandria repository of books, which deservedly considered a colossal center of ancient books. The library included astro-observatories, botany and zoology gardens, rooms for living and reading books. A little later it was turned into a museum that was filled with stuffed animals, statues, supplies for medicine, and astronomy. It should be noted that such institutions were erected at the sanctuaries. Do you need libraries? In those days, this question was not asked. People skillfully wrote down their knowledge to pass on to the future generation.

Valuable manuscripts

In the Middle Ages, Russian monastery libraries had workshops for rewriting manuscripts. Often corresponded with church publications. The production of manuscripts was a very difficult and laborious process, and therefore the books were of the highest value. That's why they were chained in special storages.

When publishers appeared, the life of libraries changed radically, because they ceased to function as archives. The collections of book depositories began to grow very rapidly. The most relevant were when the period of mass accretion to literacy came. Do we need libraries in the 21st century, difficult to answer. Many people prefer digital media, but without real books, they would not exist either.

Types of libraries

Libraries can be:

• National;
• Regional;
• Public;
• Special;
• For the blind;
• University;
• School;
• Family.

It is worthwhile to consider in more detail why libraries of each species are needed.

National reading rooms are designed to preserve and guarantee unhindered access to printed publications issued by the state. To replenish resources, some countries adhere to the rules of compulsory sample.

The regional library is a subdivision of the above-mentioned establishments, which is necessary for people living far from the cities. It is worth noting that such book depositories also have the full right to receive a mandatory sample.

In public libraries, users have the right to see the most relevant and popular literature. Do libraries need a digital age? This question was asked repeatedly. But only thanks to libraries you can save the scientific and literary heritage of the whole world.

Special book depositories

Special libraries store special purpose publications, such as patents, state standards or musical notations. Often, such reading rooms are created in connection with the need to save books in certain conditions.

The library for the blind allows the blind and readers who see little, get acquainted with the information. In such institutions are stored audiobooks and books, which are written in a special font. The State Library for the Blind is considered to be the largest in Russia, because in addition to books there are three-dimensional models, through which the blind can learn the appearance of various objects.

Books are knowledge!

Schools and libraries at universities provide literature to schoolchildren and students. Their feature is that they serve a narrow circle of users. However, you can meet university reading rooms with free access. Is there a future for libraries? This question was asked by modern students. Most answered that they did not - they like digital textbooks and audiobooks.

Not so long ago in library business there was a new coil - a virtual library. Any user, having access to the Internet, has the ability to download any book from specialized sites. The young generation leaves feedback in favor of electronic book storages. But older people prefer "living" books.

Structuredness of libraries

In the book depositories users have the opportunity to be served in two forms. In the first case, the reader purchases a subscription. Due to this pass, you can get any edition for use for a specified period. Another form of service is the reading room: here the user can read the desired publications exclusively in the library.

An important characteristic of the reading room is the structure of the foundation. Some of the publications, which are the most relevant among readers, are often freely available, where the visitor has the opportunity to immediately get to know them. All other editions are stored in the repository, and the reader can get them by selecting from the catalog.

Old and rare editions, as well as those books in which secrets of national importance can be kept, are issued only for a special admission.

You can also find mobile library items that make it easier for people from remote areas to access books and the Internet. This form of service is used by people with disabilities, as well as residents of old people's homes.

Today libraries have been modernized, and in their funds there are not only printed books, but also microfilms, transparencies, documents on electronic media. Already no library can do without a computer, and therefore it will be in demand not only for the older generation, but also for modern schoolchildren and students.

Now you know what libraries are for and what you can not do without.