Abstract:

In this article, privatelyrun libraries are redefined on the basis of reviewing previous standards of library classification. And on the basis of analyzing similar concepts of privatelyrun libraries and definitions from overseas and domestic scholars, a definition is in this disquisition: Privatelyrun libraries are library service providing facilities sponsored by such organizations or persons as nongovernmental or private organizations, private social groups or individuals with nongovernment sources of financing. Generally, privatelyrun libraries include all nongovernmentalsponsored libraries or conceptual libraries. At the same time, on analyzing the problems in classifying privatelyrun libraries in the past, this article holds that they can be classified into two types: those for public interests and those for private interests. At last, the author analyzing the characteristics and problems of these two types.

Key words: Privately-run libraries, Independent library, Library definition, Library type, Library classification