Types of Library

Introduction 

Libraries are invaluable institutions that act as gateways to knowledge, promote intellectual development and provide access to a wide variety of resources. Within the world of libraries, different types exist, each with its own distinct purpose and scope. 

Libraries come in various types, each designed to serve specific purposes and cater to different audiences. According to the mode of services rendered to the readers, libraries are broadly divided into four types: 

1. Academic Library

2. Special Library

3. Public Library 

 4. National Library 

Committee and Commission

1. Richey Commission 

In 1926, the Government of India appointed a Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr. J.A. Richey, to suggest measures for reorganising the administration of the Library. This Committee, recommended among other things, that the Imperial Library should be declared as a copyright depository Library. This recommendation was followed up by the successive librarians, Mr. Chapman and Khan Bahadur K.M. Asadullah. 

2. Fyzee committee

The Government of Bombay appointed a committee in 1939 under the chairmanship of Mr. A. A. A. Fyzee for the purpose of exploring the possibilities of the establishment of a Provincial Central Library in Bombay as well as three Regional Libraries at Ahmedabad, Poona and Dharwar. 

The committee submitted its report in 1940 and out of the recommendations of the Fyzee Committee, one central library, three regional libraries and 15 district libraries were set up. 

Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC)

    DESIDOC, which stands for Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre, is an organization that was established in 1958 as the Scientific Information Bureau (SIB). Initially, it was a division of the Defence Science Laboratory (DSL), now known as the Laser Science & Technology Centre (LASTEC). The DRDO library, which originated in 1948, became a part of the Scientific Information Bureau in 1959.

    In 1967, the SIB underwent reorganization and expanded its activities, leading to its renaming as the Defence Scientific Information and Documentation Centre (DESIDOC). It continued to operate under the administration of the Defence Science Laboratory.

    On July 29, 1970, DESIDOC became a self-accounting unit and one of the laboratories of DRDO. It was located in the historic Metcalfe House building in Delhi, which is a national monument. In August 1988, DESIDOC moved to a newly constructed five-story building within the same Metcalfe House complex.

    As a self-accounting unit, DESIDOC has served as a central information resource for DRDO. Its primary role is to provide science and technology information to the DRDO headquarters and its various laboratories across India, drawing upon its library and other information resources.

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 ALA—American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is a national organization in the United States that represents professionals in the library field. It was established in the late 19th century, and its founder was Dr. Melvil Dewey, known for creating the Decimal Classification System. ALA is the largest association of its kind in the world, with its headquarters located in Chicago. It has around 40,000 members, including individuals and organizations. The association is administered by a council consisting of 150 members, and it employs approximately 300 staff members. The main goal of ALA is to support and improve the well-being of library professionals in the country. It also aims to foster connections and friendships among library professionals worldwide.

Functions, Activities and Contribution of ALA