Library installations

[DevilSolution]

So ive got some development library's in C (as in non standard) and ive no idea how to put them into the system permanently. I can compile source if i put the header file in the same sub directory but ideally id like them to be persistently accessible anywhere.

I have lots of these library's :(

Im aware that library's go in the /usr/lib/ folder i think BUT do they need linking to the compiler such as a pkg-config file or environmental variable?

Also would i need to give myself write access to the folder to install the library's? some have makefiles and others are just header files.

Also im not sure if this is in the right area of the forum.

thanks in advance guys ;)