Libraly Journal

Libraly Journal ›› 2022, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 37-42.

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The Independent Library is Public Library: Discussing the  Public Character of Gu Yue Library at the Same Time

Na Yan(Shaoxing Library)  Wu Hanhua (Shanxi University of Finance and Economics)   

  • Online:2022-01-15 Published:2022-01-18
  • About author:Na Yan(Shaoxing Library) Wu Hanhua (Shanxi University of Finance and Economics)

Abstract: Some do not believe the independent library is a type of public library, and the main reason
could be they fail to see the nature of a public library. Public libraries have the attributes of being open
to the public, free of charge, and providing social education. The independent library also exhibits the
attributes of serving the public, public goods, and undertaking social education. The social rationality of
the public library for the independent library can be considered from three aspects: public recognition,
national legal system guarantee, and government administrative recognition. The Gu Yue Library is the
earliest modern independent library in our country, and also the earliest public library. It had the value of
enlightenment and innovation in social education at that time.