The book is an amazing creation of people, and libraries are an integral part of the culture of every country. Dmitry Sergeyevich Likhachev once correctly said that if bookstores are properly organized, then culture can really be revived, even if educational institutions disappear. But not all people understand what libraries are for.
The need for libraries
In ancient times, libraries were repositories of manuscripts, and after ancient times they were transformed into community centers that were supposed to popularize knowledge. Russia saw them for the first time somewhere in the 11th – 12th centuries.
Today in this place you can find completely different books from the desired area for work, study and just pleasure. So why do we need libraries?
The main purpose of book storage facilities is to organize the collection, preservation, and social use of books and other printed publications. Initially, libraries were needed for self-learning and knowledge. Absolutely everyone needs them: preschoolers, schoolchildren, students, senior citizens and scientists.
Scientists have proven that the human brain can contain more information than in the Library of Congress of America. However, mankind has not yet learned how to use all the capabilities of the brain, and therefore book stores will not disappear and will be needed. Now everyone knows what libraries are for.
First libraries
Even in ancient times, so-called libraries were formed in Asia. In Nippur, a unique collection of clay tablets was found (2500 BC), which is called the primeval book depository. A little later, papyrus was found in the pyramid of the pharaoh.
In the fourth century BC in Hercules opened the first so-called open library of Greece. In the third century BC founded the Alexandria Book Store, which is deservedly considered the colossal center of ancient books. The library consisted of astro observatories, gardens of botany and zoology, rooms for living and for reading books. And a little later it was turned into a museum, which was filled with stuffed animals, statues, medical supplies, as well as astronomy. It should be noted that such institutions were erected at sanctuaries. Do I need libraries? In those days, such a question was not asked. People skillfully wrote down their knowledge in order to pass it on to the future generation.
Valuable manuscripts
In the Middle Ages, manuscript rewriting workshops functioned in Russian monastery libraries. Church editions often corresponded. The production of manuscripts was a very difficult and time-consuming process, and therefore books were of the highest value. That is why in special stores they were chained.
When publishing houses appeared, the life of libraries changed dramatically, because they ceased to act as archives. Book depositories began to grow very rapidly. They became most relevant when the period of mass additions to literacy came. Whether we need libraries in the 21st century is difficult to answer. Many people prefer digital storage media, but without real books they would not exist either.
Types of libraries
Libraries can be:
- national;
- regional;
- public;
- special;
- for the blind;
- university;
- school;
- family friendly.
It is worth considering in more detail what are the libraries of each type for.
National reading rooms are designed to preserve and guarantee unhindered access to print media produced by the state. To replenish resources, some countries adhere to the rules of the mandatory model.
The regional library is a subdivision of the above-mentioned institutions, which is necessary for residents living far from cities. It is worth noting that such book depositories also have every right to receive a mandatory sample.
In public libraries, users have the right to familiarize themselves with the most relevant and popular literature. Are libraries needed in the digital age? This question has been asked repeatedly. But only thanks to libraries can one save the scientific and literary heritage of the whole world.
Special Bookstores
Special libraries store special-purpose publications, such as patents, state standards, or sheet music. Often such reading rooms are created in connection with the need to save books in certain conditions.
The library for the blind allows the blind and readers who have poor vision to familiarize themselves with the information. Such institutions store audio books and books that are written in a special font. The State Library for the Blind is considered the largest in Russia, because in addition to books, it has voluminous models, thanks to which the blind can familiarize themselves with the appearance of various objects.
Books are knowledge!
School and university libraries provide literature for schoolchildren and students. Their peculiarity is that they serve users of a narrow circle. However, you can find university reading rooms with free access. Do libraries have a future? This question was asked to modern students. Most answered no, they like digital textbooks and audiobooks more.
Not so long ago, a new round appeared in librarianship - a virtual library. Any user with access to the Internet has the ability to download any book from specialized sites. The younger generation leaves feedback in favor of electronic bookstores. But older people prefer "live" books.
