Service Area
Oakton supports the educational mission of the College and research needs of students, faculty and staff
Public Library serves informational, recreational and lifelong learning needs of the community

Book Collection
Oakton scholarly books to enhance research needs and support college curriculum
Public Library general books to support self-education and personal enrichment

Periodicals
Oakton scholarly journals to enhance research and support college curriculum; do not circulate
Public Library wide range of general interest magazines that may circulate

Study Areas
Oakton spacious areas conducive to quiet study and research
Public Library limited quiet areas

Reserves/Holds
Oakton available to all students, faculty and staff
Public Library may be restricted to card holders of a specific library

Workshops
Oakton research workshops and individual consultations tailored to specific needs
Public Library caters to a variety of topics of interest to the community

Borrowing Privileges
Oakton available to all students, faculty staff and community residents; may honor users from other Illinois academic libraries
Public Library available to users with a valid Library card or proper ID from most public libraries in Illinois

Instruction
Oakton in-depth individualized and group instruction
Public Library limited individualized and group instruction

Shelf Arrangement
Oakton Library of Congress Classification System
Public Library Dewey Decimal System

Interlibrary Loan
Oakton available to all students, faculty and staff
Public Library available to anyone with a valid library card or proper ID from most Illinois public libraries

Thanks to Rose Allen, librarian at the Mt. Prospect Public Library, for creating this comparison.