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[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Wren_library.jpg|right|frame]]
[[File:lighterstill.jpg]][[File:Wren_library.jpg|right|frame]]
A '''library''' is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the [[structure]] in which it is housed: it is organized for use and maintained by a [[public]] [[body]], an [[institution]], or a [[private]] [[individual]]. In the more [[tradition]]al sense, a library is a collection of [[books]]. The term can mean the collection, the building that houses such a collection, or both.
A '''library''' is a collection of sources, resources, and services, and the [[structure]] in which it is housed: it is organized for use and maintained by a [[public]] [[body]], an [[institution]], or a [[private]] [[individual]]. In the more [[tradition]]al sense, a library is a collection of [[books]]. The term can mean the collection, the building that houses such a collection, or both.
Public and institutional collections and services may be intended for use by people who choose not to — or cannot afford to — purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need [[material]] no individual can reasonably be expected to have, or who require professional assistance with their [[research]]. However, with the sets and collection of media and of media other than books for storing [[information]], many libraries are now also repositories and access points for maps, prints, or other documents and various storage media such as microform (microfilm/microfiche), audio tapes, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, and DVDs. Libraries may also provide public facilities to access subscription databases and the Internet.
Public and institutional collections and services may be intended for use by people who choose not to — or cannot afford to — purchase an extensive collection themselves, who need [[material]] no individual can reasonably be expected to have, or who require professional assistance with their [[research]]. However, with the sets and collection of media and of media other than books for storing [[information]], many libraries are now also repositories and access points for maps, prints, or other documents and various storage media such as microform (microfilm/microfiche), audio tapes, CDs, cassettes, videotapes, and DVDs. Libraries may also provide public facilities to access subscription databases and the Internet.