Classifying libraries on the basis of structural systematization

Abstract

The author suggests an uncontroversial classification of libraries based on the hierarchy of the terms derived from several generic concepts: ‘Libraries as social institutions’ and ‘personal libraries’. The general classification of libraries is obtained through dividing discrete sets in each of these two groups. Ranking the libraries into classes is introduced: line, subline, type, supratype, subtype. For the libraries serving to the society though established by individuals or collective founders without regulative documents, the author introduces the term “private public access library”. The dichotomy of special and public libraries is examined in its historical aspect. For each subclass, special and universal library types are revealed. For three of them, the special libraries are identified by the “diversity of user categories” and are interpreted as the libraries serving to special (not every) categories of users providing library materials in specific thematic area or readable in some specific manner. Public or universal libraries are oriented towards every user category with the widest and diverse information interests and physical abilities