What is a Library?

What is a “Library”?

Libraries have been in existence over a long period of time. It started at the inception of writing since the ancient ages when information were documented in different recorded media such as tortoise shell, stone, back of the trees, clay tablets, papyrus and parchment(Aina, n.d). Over the years, libraries have undergone series of stages. Library has moved from traditional era to digital in order to meet the current information needs of people. The library purpose of is to collect information materials, organize, store, preserve and disseminate information to users at the right time and in the right measure. The Library is an agent of development.

The word “library” seems to be used in so many different aspects now, from the brick-and-mortar public library to the digital library (American Library Association [ALA], 2010). Public libraries and indeed, all libraries are changing and dynamic places where librarians help people find the best source of information whether it’s a book, a web site, or database entry.