Bibliotekë

Bibliotekë is the Albanian term for a library, an institution that collects, preserves, and provides access to information resources for study, research, and cultural and community life. A library may be a physical building, a network of services, or a digital platform, and it typically houses books, journals, newspapers, maps, manuscripts, audio-visual media, and increasingly electronic resources.

The word originates from Latin bibliotheca, from Greek bibliothēkē, meaning a place for books. In Albanian, the term bibliotekë is used for such institutions, with biblioteka serving as the definite form (the library).

Libraries come in several forms: public libraries open to the general public; school and university libraries that support education and research; national libraries that preserve a country’s published heritage; and special libraries serving specific sectors. Common services include lending of materials, reference and research help, access to digital catalogs, interlibrary loan, study space, programming for children and adults, and archival or special collections.

Modern libraries maintain digital catalogs, online access to e-books and journals, and digitization projects. They may participate in national and international networks, offer remote borrowing, and provide information literacy training to help users locate, evaluate, and use information effectively.

Libraries contribute to education, culture, and social inclusion, preserving documentary heritage and supporting lifelong learning. Access policies vary by country and institution, but libraries are generally funded publicly or through universities and organizations to ensure broad access.