Public libraries

Public libraries large and small can be found in most communities around the country. Some are well funded with long hours, large collections, the latest technology and hundreds of staff members. Others may consist of a single librarian making the best on a shoestring budget. Public libraries can serve a variety of purposes. This can include literacy, reference, research, job seeking, homework help, local history, community meeting place, entertainment, education and more.

The smaller the library, the more varied the responsibilities of the staff members working there. Middle-sized and larger public libraries usually have departments divided by age group, e.g., children's, teens, and adult or function, e.g., reference versus audiovisual. A specialized background is generally not required per education to work in one department over another, although public librarians often tend to become specialized.

Whereas academic and special libraries often focus on obtaining vast collections of focused resources, the public library's emphasis tends to be on circulating broad collections of resources. A medium-sized library can easily circulate over 1 million items per year.

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Public Library Association

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