THE IMPACT OF PUBLIC LIBRARY SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF CROSS RIVER STATE
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATUREÂ REVIEW
Concept of Public Libraries
The concept of public libraries is the same all over the world as the library which carters for the whole public. Ikokoh (2003) asserts the public as a library
provided wholly or partly from public funds and the use of which is not restricted to any class or persons in the community, but it is freely available to all.
From the observation made by Ikokoh, it is clear to see that the public library is fully created with the public in mind, as it is not restricted to particular
persons. Its doors are opened to children, adults, disabled and even the illiterate ones with the sole aim of providing the community with their information needs which will thereby enhance the level of their education.
Types of Public Library Services
The public library, as seen earlier, deals solely with the public. Therefore, there is bound to be different needs by different individuals. It opens its doors to
everybody in the community and also renders a variety of services some of which are as follows.
Naustion (1984) asserts that illiteracy has been regarded as an enemy and evil which keeps people in darkness, bound to their tradition and superstitions it
makes people resistant to change and new ideas and therefore isolated from progress. From this observation, it is clear to see that reading habit is not in the
culture and nature of Nigerians, therefore, the public libraries oers
various services that will r each to the public no matter where they are and also give
them much interest in reading and research.
