The Service Tree lists all services in "branched" groups, starting with the very general and moving to the very specific. Click on the name of any group name to see the sub-groups available within it. Click on a service code to see its details and the providers who offer that service.
Library Services
Public, academic and special libraries or other organizations that offer 3D printing services, a process that creates three dimensional solid objects from a 3D digital model, typically by laying down many layers of material in succession. Users make a virtual design, often a CAD (Computer Aided Design) file, of the object they want to create using a 3D modeling application. If making a 3D copy of an existing object, a 3D scanner can be used. The technology is significant because it offers direct manufacturing, i.e., a design that goes directly from the creator to the physical product using a computer and a 3D printer.
A service (often offered by public libraries) that permits authorized users to electronically download the contents of books in either text or audio format to a computer, personal media player, or other electronic device on which the item may then be read or listened to. The downloaded material is generally accompanied by digital rights management mechanisms which restrict the user's ability to copy the downloaded item to other devices or print the text, or which render the downloaded item unusable after a specified period of time.
Libraries that maintain collections of fiction and nonfiction reading materials that can be checked out by community residents who have library privileges.
Large motor vehicles especially equipped to carry books and other library materials that travel to communities which do not have immediate access to a nearby library.
Libraries that offer special programs to acquaint children with library services and encourage them to read.
Libraries that arrange for the delivery by mail or volunteer messenger of books and/or audiovisual materials to people who, because of an illness, injury or disability, are unable to leave their homes to select their own reading and/or listening material in person.
Programs that collect, classify and distribute information about specific topics or problems which requires wide dissemination. Included are specialized information centers and organizations that provide reference assistance for the public regarding a wide variety of general and technical areas. The centers generally offer copies or reprints or allow people to come to the facility to do research but usually do not provide telephone information or refer people to specific resources.
Instructional Materials Centers
Facilities, often located in academic libraries, school districts or other environments, that maintain collections of print and media materials, art supplies and other resources that are used for instructional purposes which teachers, scout leaders, child care providers and others can review and check out for use in their own classrooms. Also included are programs that circulate instructional modules on specific issues that can be incorporated in an educational curriculum.
A service that enables patrons to obtain access to books, journals and other materials unavailable at their own library by borrowing the items (or a photocopy of the materials) from the collection of another library. The patron’s library locates the items, processes the interlibrary loan request, notifies the patron when the materials have been received and returns the materials to the second library when the individual has finished using them. Patrons are permitted to keep any photocopies.
Legislative Reference Services
Libraries or other organizations that maintain background and research materials that are relevant to public policy issues and the drafting of legislation.
Libraries or other organizations that maintain collections of nonprint literary and artistic materials (films and recordings and the equipment that is required for their enjoyment) which are made available to the community on a loan basis. Audiovisual resources include DVDs, audio books, music CDs and language instruction recordings as well as access to eBooks, eAudio and movie and television streaming services.
Libraries and other organizations that maintain a collection of musical instruments that patrons can borrow which may include acoustic guitars, bass guitars, banjos, autoharps, violins in various sizes, ukuleles, mandolins, mountain dulcimers, electronic keyboards, bongos and other drums. Supporting equipment such as music stands may also be provided.
Public, academic and special libraries or other organizations that provide online resources and/or search services for people who want to access OCLC's (Online Computer Library Center) FirstSearch collection of databases, the National Library of Medicine's MEDLINE, the U.S. Department of Education's ERIC and other databases that contain digitized versions of articles and information from print sources such as magazines, newspapers, journals and reference books as well as music and other content. Lexis/Nexis, Micromedia ProQuest, Ebsco and Gale/Cengage are among the major vendors.
Libraries that maintain reference desks in adult and/or children's sections or telephone reference services to help users to find the information or leisure reading material they need. Reference librarians provide assistance in locating information on a wide variety of topics such as business, current events, statistics and research findings, and civil service exams. Also included are readers advisory services.
Special Collections and Archives
Public, academic and some special libraries or other organizations that acquire, house and make available to the community for purposes of research or appreciation, rare books, aggregations of printed works or manuscripts on a particular subject or by a particular author; artistic materials by a particular artist or representative of a particular era or style; or other collectibles that are rare, of special interest, of historical significance or of scholarly value. Also included are organizations that acquire, classify and make available to the community on a loan or distribution basis, special document collections or reading materials in a variety of language or special formats which enable people who have visual or hearing impairments or who read in a language other than English to enjoy leisure reading materials and selected nonfiction and reference works. Some collections include materials that require specialized security and user services. Some special collections are standalone institutions that are privately funded, such as the Newberry Library or the American Antiquarian Society while others are part of a larger institution, such as the Beinecke Library at Yale University. Many American university special collections grew out of the merging of rare book rooms and manuscripts departments in a university's library system.