What is a Public Library?
A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public. It is funded from taxes, and operated by the Local Government Units or LGUs and licensed librarians. The public library is open to all, and every community member can access the library’s collections.
The public library performs unique and critical roles in their communities. Public libraries are tasked to provide books, materials, programs, and services that cater to the needs of the community it serves–giving individuals access to a wide and varied range of knowledge, ideas and opinions.
Public libraries provide free library services for the community it serves. It is a repository for the printed and recorded cultural heritage and other intellectual literary and information sources. These services include storytelling to encourage early literacy, providing a study conducive quiet areas for students and professionals and a lot more. They also provide computer and Internet access to patrons.
Public Libraries Specialize in:
Preserving local archives and artifacts all about the city it serves. So you can find the entire history of your local city here if you need it.
Catering to everyone by having an extensive collection of books and materials.
What’s in it for you?
You can find anything you need here! It’s a place where information can quickly be found on virtually every subject.
Your resources will be full proof credible.
Public Libraries aren’t just for borrowing books and learning it’s also for socializing and so much more!
By visiting the library and using its resources you’re helping sustain a place rich in culture and knowledge.
Public libraries are equipped with computers and online academic databases too. Both the internet and the library is needed for extensive research.
The librarians are always more than happy to help you with what you need.
Library Etiquette
Public libraries are some of the most valuable resources we still have. It is a place where people concentrate to study and research. Showing proper manners in the library enables everyone to have a pleasant and conducive working environment. Most of the libraries have signs stating the facility’s policy, and you have to do your part by following these rules. So please take some time to learn what you should and shouldn’t do.
01. Use the online public access catalog (OPAC).
Don’t waste your time the books are easy to find and are organized very well. You can even look it up from your home. National Library’s website has an OPAC online and you can check it from the comforts of your home. Once you find what you’re looking for just to take note of the call number and then show it to the librarian and they’ll be happy to assist you with this.
Also use the OPAC in the library you’re in to see if they have the book you’re looking for and ask help from the librarian for reference assistance.
National Library OPAC: http://web.nlp.gov.ph/nlp/?q=node/676
02. Respect the library staff.
Do not be rude to the library staff. Many librarians and library clerks will be happy to help you with something other than what they typically do if they’re not
03. Turn your phone off or keep it silent.
You don’t have to turn it off, in case there’s an emergency at home, but at least put it on silent/vibrate. If someone calls you, go outside and answer it or if you miss it return the call.
04. Keep the noise down.
Use your indoor voice when you’re talking. Go close enough to the person you have to speak to and do it softly.
05. Don’t be selfish with the equipment.
Be mindful of other people who need to use the computer as much as you do. Do what you need to do and be done as soon as you can for the others who also need it. The same goes for any other devices that
06. No food and drinks allowed.
Most of the public libraries have a “no food and drinks” policy. Some public libraries have a designated area where you can leave your water tumblers or water bottles and you can only drink in that area.
07. Take care of the books
Respect the books you are using or borrowing. Do not write, dirty, crumple, bend, or rip it. The library would usually have a fine for these and it is a violation. So make sure you take care of the books you’re using.
08. Don’t go where you’re not allowed.
Do not go to areas that are designated for something other than what you’re there for. This includes websites that aren’t approved by the library like porn sites, terrorist sites
09. Do not litter.
Do not leave your trash around the library. No leaving papers or drafts of work or photocopies you do not need, place it in the recycling box or the trash bin.
10. Leave the books .
If you are using books do not place them in
11. Don’t get romantic.
The library is a wonderful date place, but that doesn’t make it okay to make out. Behave properly, and do not engage in public displays of affection.