National Libraries

There are many different kinds of libraries, and most people are familier with the standard type in the local community where you can get access to books and learning resources own loan.

However another type of Library is a 'National Library' which are set up by the government of a country, and their purpose is store the important historical records and literature of the country. The main difference from a regular public Library is that a National Library is doesn't normally allow the general public to access the books for borrowing out, and is more for in house research. The main reason for this is that often the items in a National Library are rare and somewhat artifacts, which can not afford to be damaged or lost. It is also very common for National Libraries across Europe to be a part of "The European Library". You can find a very concise list of National Libraries globally from Wikipedia and NLW. Some of the more common roles of a National Library are, the collection via legal deposits, and the presivation of cultural heriatage of a country through literature and arts. (More details here:IFLA). In some countries where there is substantial cultural diversity, a National Library can be a symbol of indentity for the country by representing the many cultures of the country under its roof. However unfortunately some of the most rich historical National Libraries have been worn the brunt of war, such as in Iraq, where their National Library was burned in 2003 and much of the historical how to sing records of the country were lost forever! Although works are being undertaken to rebuild the National Library of Iraq today.