According to Wikipedia, a library is a "collection of sources of information and similar resources, made accessible to defined community for reference or borrowing." Books are the major aspect of what libraries and librarians are about. Librarianship is a people profession, and I enjoy being a librarian myself.
To start off, do you enjoy law? Medicine? Music? Working with college students? Working with people of all ages? Or perhaps working with children? If yes, below are general descriptions of the major types of libraries as well as other opportunities to consider:
1. Academic Library
Academic libraries serve colleges and universities, their students, staff and faculty. Larger institutions may have several libraries on their campuses which dedicated to serving particular schools such as law and science libraries. Many academic librarians become specialists in an area of knowledge and can have faculty status.
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| International Medical University, Bukit Jalil |
2. Public Library
Public libraries serve communities of all sizes and types. Wherever you live, there's bound to be a local public library nearby. As the name implies, public libraries serve the general public, "from cradle to grave" as more than one public librarian has been heard to say. Public libraries often have departments that focus on areas of service, such as youth, teens and adults.
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| National Library, Kuala Lumpur |
3. School Library
School libraries are usually part of a school system, and serve students between kindergarten and secondary school. Many are called media centers, and librarians are often required to have a second degree in education or a certificate in school media.
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| Sekolah Menengah Sains Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, Kuantan |
4. Special Library
Special libraries offer unique opportunities to work in a specialised environment of interest, such as corporations, hospitals, the military, museums, private businesses, and the government. Special libraries can serve particular populations, such as the blind and physically handicapped, while others are dedicated to special collections.
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| Petronas Twin Tower Library, Kuala Lumpur |
Libraries are one of the places in the world to improve ourselves. It offers a door for everyone, regardless of age groups. Libraries offer free education and entertainment to the masses. I really hope libraries will always be around in the future.
Prepared by,
Aimie Nadia binti Md Nor
Library Executive
Vision College
