Public Library and School Library Differences

Public libraries are open to every person regardless of age, economic status, beliefs, background, or interests. As such public libraries strive to offer well rounded collections that appeal to a wide audience, tailored to their community. These resources cover education, information, popular fiction, leisure reading, local, state, and regional interests, and various media formats. With the broad range of topics not all material may be appropriate for all stages of life. Freedom, in practice, means each person has the privilege of using the library, combined with taking personal responsibility for what they choose to read, watch, or engage with. Parents & guardians have the constitutional right and responsibility to teach, guide, and assist their children when navigating a public library in accordance with their family’s values. While Alaska law does not allow public libraries to release circulation records for any patron, regardless of their age, parents and guardians receive their child's library card number and PIN when they authorize the account, which could be used to supervise borrowed materials.

Elementary, middle, and high school library resources are curated to meet the academic and personal development needs of students, and supplement the curriculum for teachers. School libraries cultivate intellectual curiosity, and a love for learning. Their mission and purposes are different than public libraries, therefore the collection development criteria is more stringent. School libraries are not open to the general public, but parents should still teach their children how to choose appropriate material that aligns with their family’s worldview. Alaska law allows parents to access their children’s school library accounts to monitor what they’re reading. Schools also maintain open lines of communication for parents to speak with school staff.

University and college libraries serve faculty, staff, and older teen/adult students. These academic libraries primarily offer textbooks, reference materials, and resources to supplement coursework, in addition to general selections. Most university and college libraries are open to the public but  don’t generally include a juvenile collection.