ISSN (Print): 2328-3734, ISSN (Online): 2328-3696, ISSN (CD-ROM): 2328-3688 American International Journal of Research in Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences AIJRHASS 13-228; © 2013, AIJRHASS All Rights Reserved Page 134 Available online at http://www.iasir.net AIJRHASS is a refereed, indexed, peer-reviewed, multidisciplinary and open access journal published by International Association of Scientific Innovation and Research (IASIR), USA (An Association Unifying the Sciences, Engineering, and Applied Research) Special Library: A Gigantic Information Centre for Specials Mr. Prakash Bhairu Bilawar Assistant Librarian, Barr. Balasaheb Khardekar Library Shivaji University, Vidyanagar, Kolhapur-416004 Maharashtra, INDIA Abstract : Special Library is unending information kiosks called as blood vessels of the Specials (Special Subject/Special Clientele). It is learnt that the progress speed of any country is mostly depends on educational system and research activity speed of that country. In this direction Special Library plays a pivotal role in research activities for national development and its advancement. At the same time orienting the specials by means and methods of Information Literacy and IT/ICT tools and techniques, is the need of the hour for overall development of the individual and also for national development. The present papers highlights on special (research) library facets which relates to need, types, services, functions and activities in past, present and future trend with more emphasis on present scenario. The functions and services of special library are graphically represented in projected 3K2CM model consists of three basic components-Knowledge Content, Knowledge Creation and Knowledge Management. Keywords: Special Library, Library Service, Subject, Clientele, Special, 3K2CM I. Introduction Library has a collection of books and other reading materials which are available in print and non-print form. These materials are arranged in a systematic manner useful for the reader to carry out their research and academic pursuits. With the changing nature and services of the library, today Library science is not a Library science but it is Library and Information Science. It is observed that with the boost of technology there is rapid development in Library profession. Basically library system falls into following four types of libraries which are existed- 1. Public Library 2. Academic Library 3. National Library and 4. Special Library By the changing scenario, advent of technology, availability of information in e-format and its demand and flow, the following nomenclature is best fitted to the Library 1. Documentation Centre 2. Digital Library 3. Learning Centre 4. Virtual Library 5. Information/ Resource Centre etc In view of this special attention should be given to learning/information/resource centre as an integral part of special/research library. Many researchers and faculty members have made literary contribution about special library and try to explain what special library is, in different dimensions? The present paper highlights the services and functions of the special library in the present context with 3K2CM architecture and also compare special library facets in past, present and future trend. To make aware the basic and general information about the „Special Library‟ to the common reader at the center, the present work is being undertaken. II. Special Library: Special Libraries are established to serve the needs of „special’ clientele group viz. the Scientist, the Technologist, the Planner, the Industrialist, the Economist, the Statistician, the Lawyer, the Doctor, the Engineers, the Traders, the Entrepreneur, the Administrator etc. and its collection is limited to ‘special‟ subject (single/cluster of specific subject/ interrelated) through „special‟ services. Definition: There are several definitions of Special Library are available from the different sources of information. Few of them are stated below- “Special Library is generally concerned with literature of a particular subject or a group of subjects and extends its facilities to a particular type of clientele” [1] According to SIWG (Special Library Working Group), “Special Libraries cater to specific professional or academic groups whose information needs are defined by a particular subject or activity” [2]