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Overview of Library Functions and History

Paragraph A describes the earliest libraries found in ancient Sumer and Egypt, which contained mainly government records, and the first private libraries in Greece containing both fiction and non-fiction books. Paragraph B explains how library materials are organized using a classification system and how librarians help users find information. Paragraph C discusses how many library visitors do not know how to effectively use the library and the history of library instruction in the US. Paragraph D outlines tasks involved in managing a library such as acquiring new materials, developing classification systems, and community outreach programs. Paragraph E talks about the high costs of running libraries in poor communities and increasing closures of libraries due to budget cuts.

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259 views2 pages

Overview of Library Functions and History

Paragraph A describes the earliest libraries found in ancient Sumer and Egypt, which contained mainly government records, and the first private libraries in Greece containing both fiction and non-fiction books. Paragraph B explains how library materials are organized using a classification system and how librarians help users find information. Paragraph C discusses how many library visitors do not know how to effectively use the library and the history of library instruction in the US. Paragraph D outlines tasks involved in managing a library such as acquiring new materials, developing classification systems, and community outreach programs. Paragraph E talks about the high costs of running libraries in poor communities and increasing closures of libraries due to budget cuts.

Uploaded by

ngan do
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Name: ………………………………………….…….

Class: …………

Libraries
A. The earliest libraries that we know about were different from present-day
libraries, as their contents were mainly government records. Archaeological
findings from ancient cities of Sumer revealed temple rooms full of records of
commercial transactions, or inventories. Things were much the same in the
government records of Ancient Egypt. The earliest private or personal libraries
containing both non-fiction and fiction books appeared in classical Greece.

B. Library materials such as books, articles, and CDs are usually arranged in a
certain order, according to a library classification system, so that you can find
particular items quickly. In addition to public areas, some libraries have
additional rooms where reference materials are stored. Often a professional
librarian works from a reference desk or other central location, to help users find
what they are looking for.

C. Many visitors to libraries do not know how to use the library effectively. This
can be because they are shy and embarrassed to ask questions, or because they are
not used to libraries. These problems were behind the library instruction
movement in the US., which encourages library-user education. In fact, library
instruction has been practised in the U.S. since the 19th century.

D. Managing a library involves tasks such as planning what new books to buy,
designing classification systems, preserving materials (especially rare and fragile
manuscripts) and developing library computer systems. Long-term tasks include
planning library extensions and developing community services such as adult
literacy programs.

E. In North America, among other countries, libraries in poor communities are


relatively expensive to run, but arguably less important to the community than
essential services, such as police, firefighters, school, and health care. At any rate,
many communities are beginning to feel they have no option but to close down,
or reduce their library services to balance their budgets.
Questions 1-5
Match paragraphs A-E above with the headings i-vii. Some headings may not be used.

1. Paragraph A .................
2. Paragraph B .................
3. Paragraph C .................
4. Paragraph D .................
5. Paragraph E .................

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