Here are some key features of a circulating book:
* It's part of a library's collection: The book is owned by the library and is not a personal copy.
* It can be borrowed: Anyone with a library card can borrow it for a set period of time.
* It has a due date: Borrowers are expected to return the book by a specific date to avoid fines.
* It may have a barcode or other identifier: This allows the library to track the book's location and circulation history.
Here are some things that circulating books are not**:
* Reference books: These are books that are kept within the library for reference and are not typically allowed to be checked out.
* Special collections: These may be rare or valuable books that are kept in a secure location and are not available for general circulation.
* E-books: While these are digital versions of books, they are not physically circulating items.
In short, circulating books are the core of a library's lending service, providing readers with access to a vast collection of materials.