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Libraries Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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libraries

[หˆlaษชbrษ™riz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

education

A building or room containing collections of books, periodicals, and sometimes films and recorded music for use or borrowing by the public or the members of an institution.

Synonyms

bibliotheca, book depository.

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Word Description / Examples
libraries

General term used for institutions or rooms holding collections of books, documents or other informational materials, especially for public use.

  • I borrowed this book from the public library.
  • She spent the afternoon researching in the university library.
book depository

A place where books are stored, often used in the context of bookstores or warehouses for books, rather than a public or academic library.

  • The book depository has multiple copies of the latest bestsellers.
  • You can find out-of-print books in specialized book depositories.
bibliotheca

A more scholarly or formal term for a library, often used in literary or academic contexts.

  • The ancient bibliotheca housed many rare manuscripts.
  • His bibliotheca includes some first editions of classic novels.

Examples of usage

  • Students often visit libraries to study and borrow books.
  • Libraries provide a quiet space for reading and research.
Context #2 | Noun

technology

A collection of precompiled routines that a program can use.

Synonyms

code library, function set.

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Word Description / Examples
libraries

Use in general discussions about collections of resources, typically in programming or software development. It can also refer to traditional book collections in physical spaces.

  • Modern programming often relies on various libraries to provide pre-written code.
  • The libraries at the university are very well-stocked with research materials.
code library

Specifically refers to a collection of pre-written code that can be used by programmers to simplify their development process. Common in software development contexts.

  • The developer downloaded a code library to help with image processing tasks.
  • Using a code library can save a lot of time when working on complex projects.
function set

Used when discussing a group of functions provided together, often in the context of software libraries or modules. Itโ€™s more specific and technical compared to 'libraries'.

  • The new API includes a robust function set for handling user authentication.
  • Developers can rely on this function set to perform various mathematical operations.

Examples of usage

  • This programming language comes with a standard library of functions.
  • The library simplifies the process of coding by providing commonly used functions.
Context #3 | Noun

internet

A collection of resources made accessible to a community for reference or borrowing through online platforms.

Synonyms

digital library, online repository.

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Word Description / Examples
libraries

Refers to physical structures or institutions where books, materials, and other resources are available for public use or borrowing. Used in a general or traditional sense.

  • Many cities have historic libraries that contain rare books and manuscripts.
  • Libraries offer a quiet place for students to study and access various educational materials.
digital library

Pertains to collections of digital objects, such as books, journals, and multimedia, that are accessible electronically. Often used in academic and educational contexts.

  • The university's digital library has extensive archives of academic journals.
  • During the lockdown, students relied heavily on the digital library for research material.
online repository

Typically used for a structured digital storage location where data, files, or digital objects (including scholarly works, software, and datasets) are kept and can be accessed remotely. Often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.

  • Researchers uploaded their findings to the online repository for peer review.
  • Open access to the online repository has increased collaboration among scientists.

Examples of usage

  • Online libraries offer a wide range of digital resources such as e-books and articles.
  • Users can access the virtual library from anywhere with an internet connection.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first known libraries date back to ancient Mesopotamia around 2500 BC, where clay tablets were stored.
  • The Library of Alexandria, established in ancient Egypt, was one of the largest and most significant libraries of the ancient world.
  • In medieval Europe, monasteries became important centers for preserving knowledge, copying manuscripts, and creating libraries.

Cultural Impact

  • Libraries have played a key role in democratizing access to information, allowing everyone the opportunity to learn.
  • Many literary movements, including the Renaissance, thrived due to the availability of knowledge in libraries.
  • In some cultures, libraries are seen as sacred spaces that contribute to community building and cultural preservation.

Modern Technology

  • Many libraries now offer digital services, allowing people to borrow e-books and audiobooks from home.
  • Some libraries provide access to technology like computers, printers, and internet, bridging the digital divide.
  • With the rise of the internet, libraries have evolved into information hubs that also offer educational workshops and community events.

Psychology

  • Research shows that spending time in libraries can significantly reduce stress and improve focus.
  • The environment of a library fosters a sense of calm, encouraging mindfulness and deeper learning.
  • Studies suggest that regular engagement with books can enhance empathy, critical thinking, and creativity.

Literature

  • Libraries are often the birthplace of many great literary works as authors seek inspiration from the wealth of knowledge around them.
  • The term 'library' comes from the Latin word 'librarium,' meaning a place for books, which has influenced literature throughout history.
  • Some notable authors, like Jorge Luis Borges and Ray Bradbury, were inspired by their experiences in libraries, leading to celebrated works that reflect on such spaces.

Origin of 'libraries'

The word 'libraries' originates from the Latin word 'bibliotheca,' which means a collection of books. Libraries have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Over time, libraries have evolved to include various forms of media and digital resources, becoming essential hubs for education, research, and information dissemination.

See also: librarian, library.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,306, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.