The function of the library refers to the functions and functions undertaken by the library in human society. The library has two functions: one is the basic function, also known as the natural function, which is the function of any library at all times and in all countries; Second, the general function, also known as social function, is the historical mission given to the library by the society in a certain period. The social functions of libraries are constantly changing with the development of society. It is based on basic functions and is the expression of basic functions in a certain society. In ancient society, the social function of libraries was mainly to collect, organize and preserve human heritage. After the industrial revolution, the rise of big machines requires the improvement of the national cultural level and the popularization of education. The library is open to the whole society, and social education has become the main responsibility of the library. In modern society, with the rapid development of science and technology and the arrival of new technological revolution, people's demand for knowledge and information is more and more urgent, and libraries are endowed with the functions of developing intellectual resources and transmitting scientific information. Therefore, preservation of human cultural heritage, social education, transmission of scientific information and development of intellectual resources are designated by IFLA as four major functions of the library. With the development of China, the educational form in China has also changed. After just a few years of development, China's higher vocational education has reached a considerable scale. According to the data released by the Ministry of Education, in 2005, there were 2 195 people with academic qualifications in ordinary colleges and universities in China, including 49% in higher vocational colleges 1078 people. However, among 700 undergraduate colleges, 259 independent colleges and 158 branch schools, some schools still recruit students from higher vocational colleges. At present, China's higher vocational colleges account for at least 60% of general higher education. It can be seen that higher vocational education is a bridge to transform resources and technology into real productive forces, a link to maintain the normal operation of the economy and society, and a catalyst to promote economic and social development and employment. Higher vocational colleges play an important role in China's education. Educators, especially the staff of higher vocational college libraries in China, should participate in the development of higher vocational colleges, give full play to the role of higher vocational college libraries, and make China's education go to a higher level. To this end, I would like to ask about the functions of higher vocational college libraries in the new period. Focusing on IFLA's definition of library's "social function", the author believes that it is the requirement of the new era to establish a brand-new service model with "reader-centered", demand-oriented, efficiency-oriented, value-added as the goal and all-round service as the basic content.