Special Libraries
What is a Special Library and where can they be found?
A special library is a library which is part of a company, organization, or other group. The special library meets the needs of the specialized group. (Online Library Learning Center Glossary entries) 2) A library serving a special purpose or clientele, e.g., a library in a private business, hospital, governmental agency, etc. (Trustees Glossary) 3) a library established and maintained primarily for the use of a specialized population, including libraries operated by either for-profit and non-profit agencies as a service to their respective clientele. Special libraries generally provide materials for a very specific purpose or expertise area. (The Colorado Librarian's Survival Guide)
Challenges: Special Libraries
Funding: museums and special libraries are always fighting for any funding they can scrounge up. Changing expectations from the public along with worlds of information to be had have morphed the special library profession to being capable to become a jack of all trades.
Digitization and the technological forefront: For all we hear about budget problems museums are having concerning technology, they are adapting one way or another. The Institute of Museum and Library Services conducted a poll of museums, public libraries, academic libraries, archives, and state library administrative agencies from 2001 to 2004 (New Research Shows Technology, Digitization at America's Libraries, Museums on Rise, 2006). This time period happened to be a critical time for the evolution of the museum as a whole in terms of the commonality of technology in museums. The study found that small museums with web sites doubled to 78 percent and more than 80 percent [of small museums] use e-mail. These are drastic increases from 40 percent, and 53 percent respectively over the course of three short years. Seventy percent of Small libraries now have an online catalogue. From these increases, we see very clearly that the times are forcing the museum and academic communities are intent on keeping up with the new standards.
The museum community is not only looking to the future of connectivity, but it is also intent on reaching back to the past. Archives are digitizing old records as well. In the IMLS study, 94 percent of archives reported significant digitization activities within the past year. The same study found that almost two-thirds of museums claim their technology is insufficiently funded and lack the skilled staff to meet their institutional technology-based goals.
Digitization projects across the nation are surveyed and summarized in the annual Heritage Health Index Report (http://www.heritagepreservation.org). The index includes museums, archives, libraries, historical societies, and other depositories.
Two Types of Special Libraries
Archives
What are archives? The Society of American Archivists defines Archives as “The non-current records of individuals, groups, institutions and governments that contain information of enduring value”. Archives are often used for research to consult original documents and materials in various formats. Archivists are responsible for the upkeep and organization of these materials.
What is the purpose of archive repositories? To keep materials & documents as they age, organizing access to them and preserving their value as best as they can.
What kind of expertise is needed? Beyond the ‘typical’ library skill sets, archivists should know how to use resources to care for their collections’ physical needs (read: humidity levels, acid free folders & boxes, light settings, etc.). Companies that specialize in archival materials include Hollinger and Gaylord, while there are also conservation centers such as the Northeast Document Conservation Center for the more delicate preservation projects.
Law Libraries
What is a law library?
My definition of a law library is a special library that serves the legal community in various aspects in various organizations in the private, public, and government sectors.
Where are law libraries found?
Law libraries can be found in law firms, government agencies, law schools, courts, and corporate law departments. The Library of Congress Law Library has the world’s largest collection of law books and legal resources.
What is the primary function of a law library?
The primary function of a law library if to provide legal information to students and faculty in a law school, provide legal documents to a court, agency, or law firm. The staff members of a law library serve the larger organization -- law school, court, agency, or law firm.
Are law libraries still relevant in the 21st century?
Yes law libraries are still quite relevant in the 21st century especially with the advanced globalization of the past decade. The need to know business laws, tax laws, and other laws is very necessary. Much information is available online, however it requires purchase of articles or subscriptions and then the information retrieved may not be relevant.
Works Cited
Online Library Learning Center Glossary entries. (n.d.). Retrieved January 25, 2008, from Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia: http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/ollc_glossary.html
The Colorado Librarian's Survival Guide. (n.d.). Retrieved January 2008, from The Colorado Department of Education: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/LibDict/Glossary11.htm
Trustees Glossary. (n.d.). Retrieved Janauary 2008, from Oklahoma Department of Libraries: http://www.odl.state.ok.us/servlibs/l-files/glosss.htm
New Research Shows Technology, Digitization at America's Libraries, Museums on Rise. (2006, April). US Fed News Service, including US State News .
http://www.llrx.com/features/librarian.htm
http://www.llrx.com/features/librarian.htm
http://www.usg.edu/galileo/skills/ollc_glossary.html
http://www.odl.state.ok.us/servlibs/l-files/glosss.htm
http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdelib/LibDict/Glossary11.htm
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15 comments:
What is a Library?
As a proponent of both digital libraries and digital archives (as well as traditional libraries and archives of course) and as a user of all of these, I have been trying to better understand the metamorphosis I see taking place daily on the Internet as many library and archives collections (if not the entities themselves) seem to merge before my eyes, at least in cyberspace. Then, there are wonderful databases such as http://www.ancestry.com/.
Or, is it a repository? Or, is it too a digital library? As we try to fit the myriad forms of ever-changing libraries into neat categories it may be that the definition of “special library” will get stretched further and further. Or maybe we need some new ways to think about “types of libraries” in general, along with perhaps some different language to describe them.
Some related links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library
http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rls=GWYE,GWYE:2006-36,GWYE:en&q=define%3alibrary
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rls=GWYE,GWYE:2006-36,GWYE:en&oi=definer&q=define:digital+library&defl=en
Catherine G.
I don't see the defintion of special library changing rather an expansion of new innovative special libraries on the horizon. Viewing everyone's dream library job was a reflection of such expansions. I saw Cartoon libraries, Craft library, and manyh other unique "special libraries".
I see the growth of special libraries as a really good thing. It points to the idea that the library field, and librarians, are becoming more needed, understood and necessary...and that can only be a good thing for all the future librarians out there!
I agree with you Sarah. The definition is not changing but the field is expanding into new areas and that is a good thing. The only down part in it is many of the seasoned librarians may not jump aboard right away with the changes.
I had never considered the importance of special libraries beyond the organizations they serve. They seem to hide from everyone but their direct patrons.
For example, I have lived in Oakland County for over 23 years and just last year I discovered that the county government operates 3 libraries at the County Complex.
This discovery led me to wonder, if I hadn't started working for the County, then when if ever, would I have discovered these libraries existed? They have wonderful resources and links to databases and other libraries. I hope that special libraries continue to grow and prosper so that other patrons discover these local gems.
If you're interested, this is the link to the Oakland County Libraries, http://www.oakgov.com/boclib/
In this century, the astounding changes in technology, coupled with the information explosion have changed the functional role of the special librarians. Nowadays special librarians do more than finding difficult information from several resources; using the new emerging technologies they also evaluate, analyze, organize and present information in a way that maximizes its usefulness. As Sarah has already stated the field has not changed rather new areas added up to comply with nowadays organizations needs’.
The following website provides quite interesting information about these new areas, "nontraditional jobs for special libraries".
http://www.libsci.sc.edu/bob/class/clis724/SpecialLibrariesHandbook/non-traditional.htm
You make a valid point, Jessica. It would be helpful for these libraries to 'advertise' their resources if they are open to public use. Maybe that is an opportunity for partnership between a 'special' library and the public community library wherein patrons can learn about and access the resources at the special library through their neighborhood libraries.
Asking the question: what is the importance of special libraries? is critical to understanding them. While each holds their own mission statement, and unarguably serves the organization in which they are found, I think it would be erroneous to say it doesn't go beyond that. I would say their are certain issues of promotion and marketing that need to be addressed in special libraries probably more so than in other libraries.
Also, public libraries should always know their allies and when to refer patrons to them.
A special Library is just that special to a specific group. I think its great they have them. That group has all the books and materials on hand to do the job. I know that in most school libraries there is a separate room for just teachers. I guess you could say they have a "special library"
Special libraries are critical to the the continuation and creation of knowledge bases. Many special libraries safeguard what has been created, help their patrons access and understand the information which ultimately helps the user to have new ideas and create new information. One thing that I am impressed with with some of the special librarians that I've met is their unique understanding of their library's holdings and of their field. The human factor is really important. The specialized knowledge is expected per SLA competencies but I part of it is the enthusiasm sl's often have for their subject matter.
https://www.sla.org/content/learn/comp2003/97comp.cfm
I agree with Jessica L. that Special Libraries often are hidden and unknown to the general public even if the general public can use them.
Thanks for the heads up on the 3 libraries at the county complex. I didn't know about them either, but I would like to check them out soon.
I also agree with Sara L. that collaboration between Special Libraries and Public Libraries would be beneficial to all. It would probably be a good idea for all libraries to list what other libraries are around, what their specialty is and any restrictions on using them.
Libraries promoting libraries.
Holly C.
Special libraries do seem to hide from the world. Jessica, your discovery of three libraries at the Oakland County Complex makes me wonder how many other libraries are right under our nose and we don’t even know they exist. I have just recently considered working in a special library, so I’m eager to find out more about them. This may be hard to do because the specifics on what they do, who they serve, and etc will vary from library to library.
I agree with De Aidre that digitalizing can create expansion for libraries, but the lack of funding for libraries that are non-profit is very sad. with technology today the public should have more access to rare books, and collection. having just visited the dia's library was very disappointing on the choas that they have to face (the move didn't help)the backlog of books to cataloged and just basic organization of the books and catalongs.
I am fascinated by archives. I think they provide a unique experience because the materials there are not just information but historical artifacts. If I were to work in a special library, I think I would choose an archive. As I've said in some of the posts on the discussion board, preserving information artifacts can be just as important as preserving the information itself. I think that we have to be careful that we don't decide that the physical object doesn't matter if we can preserve the information electronically. We can accidentally throw away information that we didn't realize was there or didn't think was important.
I can honestly say I never knew there were so many different kinds of libraries. Librarians can have the opportunity to work in so many different libraries and see so many different things.
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