The proper spelling of "national library" is /ˈnæʃənəl ˈlaɪbrəri/. The first syllable "na-" is pronounced with the short "a" sound, followed by the "sh" sound, and a silent "t". The second syllable "tio-" is pronounced with the "sh" sound, followed by an "n" sound and a long "o" sound. The final syllable "-nal" is pronounced with the short "a" sound and the "l" sound. The word "library" is spelled as it sounds with the long "i" sound and a silent "r".
A national library can be defined as a prominent institution within a country that holds the responsibility of collecting, preserving, and providing access to a wide range of published materials, including books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, audiovisual materials, and other forms of recorded knowledge. It serves as a repository of a nation's intellectual heritage and cultural identity, often acting as the primary custodian of the written and printed works produced within the country.
Typically funded by the government, a national library plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of literary and scholarly resources to support research, education, and public access to information. It serves as a central hub for intellectual inquiry, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and enabling scholars, researchers, students, and the general public to access and utilize its collections.
National libraries also carry out essential functions such as cataloging and indexing the materials they hold, promoting literacy and reading culture, and often providing specialized services like interlibrary loan, exhibitions, digitization projects, and preservation initiatives to safeguard rare and valuable materials for future generations.
Furthermore, national libraries often work in collaboration with other libraries and cultural institutions both domestically and internationally, participating in knowledge sharing initiatives, fostering cooperation, and contributing to the development and preservation of collective human knowledge.
The word "national" comes from the Latin word "natio" meaning "nation" or "people". It entered the English language in the 16th century through the Old French word "national" with a similar meaning.
The term "library" has its roots in the Latin word "liber" meaning "book". It originated from the word "libraria" which referred to a place where books were written, copied, and stored.
When combined, the term "national library" refers to a library or an institution that belongs to and represents a particular nation or country. It typically serves as a repository for its national publications, cultural heritage, and provides access to knowledge and information.