Module-01 Library Smart Notes:

About Library (2):

• A library serves as a collection of sources and resources, offering services for

accessing knowledge through various formats like books, newspapers, magazines, and
electronic materials.
• Materials are organized systematically and are available for consultation or borrowing
by members.

Information Science (3):

• Information Science involves the systematic study and analysis of information in all its
forms, encompassing its development, collection, organization, dissemination, evaluation, and
management.
• It includes formal and informal channels of communication, utilizing various
technologies.

Data, Information, and Knowledge (3):

• Data: Unorganized or unprocessed information.

• Information: Organized form of data.
• Knowledge: Organized form of information, providing insight and understanding.

Mission/Purpose (4):

• The mission of a library is to create an educated and well-informed community by

encouraging and facilitating the use of library services and collections.
• The purpose is to select, assemble, administer, and organize educational and
recreational materials, making them accessible to every individual in the community or
institution.

Types of the Library (5):

• National Library
• Academic Library
• Public Library
• Special Library
Library Services (10):

1. Circulation Services
2. Reference Services
3. Electronic Resource/Digital Library Services
4. Information Literacy/Workshops/Training
5. Reference/Citation Management Services
6. Plagiarism Tools (Software)
7. Technical Services
8. OPAC/Web-Catalog
9. Group Study Room
10. Services to Users with Special Needs

Library Facilities (18):

1. Group Study Room

2. Single Reader/User Study Place
3. Services to Users with Special Needs
4. Computing Facilities (iMac, Windows PC Lab)

OPAC/Web Catalog (19):

• Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) or Web-Catalog is a search engine available on

the library website, enabling users to search the library’s collection.
• Users can log in, check book availability, reserve materials, and view checked-out
items.

Library Management Systems (LMS) (22):

• Library Management Systems are software or databases used to organize bibliographic

information of library materials, both electronic and print formats.
• Examples include SirsiDynix Symphony, VTLS Virtua, and ALMA-EX LIBRIS.

Classification (23):

• Classification involves arranging the library collection by subject according to an

accepted system, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system.
 • Call numbers provide unique information placed on the spine of books, comprising
classification number, author mark, and date of publication.

Cataloging (26):

• Cataloging is the process of organizing bibliographic records in the LMS following

prescribed standards like AACR2.
• Catalogs are searchable by OPAC and provide detailed information about library
materials.

These smart notes offer a concise overview of key concepts and topics covered in Module-01
Library.

short answer questions based on the provided smart notes:

1. What is the mission of a library?

• Answer: The mission of a library is to create an educated and well-informed community
by encouraging and facilitating the use of library services and collections.
2. Define Information Science.
• Answer: Information Science involves the systematic study and analysis of information
in all its forms, encompassing its development, collection, organization, dissemination,
evaluation, and management, including formal and informal channels of communication and
technology used in its communications.
3. Differentiate between data, information, and knowledge.
• Answer:
• Data: Unorganized or unprocessed form of information.
• Information: Organized form of data.
• Knowledge: Organized form of information, providing insight and understanding.
4. Name two types of libraries and provide examples for each.
• Answer:
• National Library (e.g., King Fahad National Library, Riyadh, KSA)
• Academic Library (e.g., University Library)
5. What services are typically offered by libraries?
• Answer: Common library services include circulation services, reference services,
electronic resource/digital library services, information literacy workshops/training, reference/
citation management services, plagiarism tools, technical services, and OPAC/web-catalog
access.
6. What is OPAC/Web-Catalog, and what functionalities does it offer to library users?
• Answer: OPAC/Web-Catalog is an online public access catalog available on the library
website, allowing users to search the library’s collection. Users can log in, check book
availability, reserve materials, view checked-out items, and perform searches based on author,
title, subject, or keyword.
7. Name two Library Management Systems (LMS) and their origin.
• Answer:
• SirsiDynix Symphony (American)
• VTLS Virtua (American)
8. What is classification in the context of libraries?
• Answer: Classification involves arranging the library collection by subject according to
an accepted system, such as the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) system, to enable easy
access to needed materials without loss of time.
9. Describe the process of cataloging in libraries.
• Answer: Cataloging is the process of organizing bibliographic records in the LMS
following prescribed standards like AACR2. It involves entering detailed information about library
materials into the system, creating searchable catalogs accessible via OPAC.
10. What are some facilities commonly found in libraries?
• Answer: Common library facilities include group study rooms, single reader/user study
places, services for users with special needs (e.g., wheelchair access), and computing facilities
(iMac, Windows PC labs).

1. What is the primary mission of a library?

• Correct Answer: B) To create an educated and well-informed community
2. Which of the following best defines Information Science?
• Correct Answer: B) The systematic study and analysis of information in all its forms
3. What distinguishes knowledge from data and information?
• Correct Answer: A) Data is unorganized, information is processed, and knowledge
provides insight and understanding
4. Which of the following is NOT a type of library?
• Correct Answer: D) Professional Library
5. What service typically involves personal assistance from librarians to help users satisfy
their information needs?
• Correct Answer: B) Reference Services
6. What does OPAC/Web-Catalog allow users to do?
• Correct Answer: D) Search the library’s collection and access account information
 7. Which of the following is a Library Management System (LMS)?
• Correct Answer: A) SirsiDynix Symphony
8. What is the purpose of classification in libraries?
• Correct Answer: C) To enable easy access to library materials by arranging them
according to subject
9. What is cataloging in the context of libraries?
• Correct Answer: B) The process of organizing bibliographic records in the library’s
database
10. Which of the following is a common facility found in libraries?
• Correct Answer: A) Group Study Room