Editing Library (section)

{{short description|Organized collection of books or other information resources}}
{{Other uses}}{{pp-pc}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
[[File:SanDiegoCityCollegeLearningResource - bookshelf.jpg|thumb|A library patron retrieving a book from a shelf at the library at [[San Diego City College]] in [[San Diego]], California.]]
A '''library''' is a collection of [[Book|books]], and possibly other [[Document|materials]] and [[Media (communication)|media]], that is accessible for use by its members and members of allied institutions. Libraries provide physical (hard copies) or [[electronic media|digital]] (soft copies) materials, and may be a physical location, a virtual space, or both. A library's collection normally includes [[printed]] materials which may be borrowed, and usually also includes a reference section of publications which may only be utilized inside the premises. Resources such as commercial releases of films, television programmes, other video recordings, radio, music and audio recordings may be available in many formats. These include [[DVD]]s, [[Blu-ray]]s, [[CD]]s, [[Cassette tape|cassettes]], or other applicable formats such as [[microform]]. They may also provide access to information, music or other content held on [[bibliographic database]]s. In addition, some libraries offer [[Library makerspace|creation stations]] for [[wiktionary:maker|maker]]s which offer access to a [[3D printing]] station with a [[3D scanning|3D scanner]].<ref> {{Cite web |title=Creation Station |url=https://www.natronacountylibrary.org/creation-station/ |access-date=2025-05-23 |website=Natrona County Library |language=en-US}}</ref>

Libraries can vary widely in size and may be organised and maintained by a public body such as a government, an institution (such as a school or [[museum]]), a corporation, or a private individual. In addition to providing materials, libraries also provide the services of [[librarian]]s who are trained experts in finding, selecting, circulating and organising information while interpreting information needs and navigating and analysing large amounts of information with a variety of resources. The area of study is known as [[library and information science]] or studies.

Library buildings often provide quiet areas for studying, as well as common areas for group study and collaboration, and may provide public facilities for access to their electronic resources, such as computers and access to the [[Internet]].

The library's clientele and general services offered vary depending on its type, size and sometimes location: users of a [[public library]] have different needs from those of a [[special library]] or academic library, for example. Libraries may also be community hubs, where programmes are made available and people engage in lifelong learning. Modern libraries extend their services beyond the physical walls of the building by providing material accessible by electronic means, including from home via the Internet.

The services that libraries offer are variously described as library services, information services, or the combination "library and information services", although different institutions and sources define such terminology differently.