The goal of the school library media centre is to ensure that all members of the school community have equitable access "to books and reading, to information, and to information technology." A school library media centre "uses all types of media... is automated, and utilizes the Internet [as well as books] for information gathering." School libraries are distinct from public libraries because they serve as "learner-oriented laboratories which support, extend, and individualize the school's curriculum... A school library serves as the centre and coordinating agency for all material used in the school."