Libraries

A library is a building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for people to read or borrow.

Lending libraries may be privately owned or operated by a local government, university or other organisation. Lending libraries allow members to borrow books, periodicals, films and music for set period of time, which is usually two weeks. Membership requirements for lending libraries depend on the nature of the library, for example private lending libraries may require an annual subscription fee, university libraries will require that users be a member of the university student or staff body, while local council libraries will offer their services to all residents of the associated municipality.

Reference and research libraries do not provide lending services, they instead allow readers to view book and used other resources only within the confines of the library itself. These reference and research libraries may operate as part of a university and will also include state and federal libraries. Professional bodies such as the Law Institute will also have research libraries which facilities are available to member of the institute.

In addition to conventional print and so-called hard copy book, music and other materials, modern libraries will also offer a range of online products and services. Most libraries now offer limited free internet to users and will have eBooks and online movies and music for loan by library subscribers and users.