Public libraries as public sphere institutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of public libraries as institutions underpinning a democratic public sphere as reasons legitimizing libraries compared to reasons that are more traditional and the actual use of libraries as public sphere arenas. Design/methodology/approach A...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of documentation 2019-09, Vol.75 (6), p.1396-1415
Main Authors: Audunson, Ragnar, Aabø, Svanhild, Blomgren, Roger, Hobohm, Hans-Christoph, Jochumsen, Henrik, Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood, Mumenthaler, Rudolf, Schuldt, Karsten, Rasmussen, Casper Hvenegaard, Rydbeck, Kerstin, Tóth, Máté, Vårheim, Andreas
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of public libraries as institutions underpinning a democratic public sphere as reasons legitimizing libraries compared to reasons that are more traditional and the actual use of libraries as public sphere arenas. Design/methodology/approach A survey of representative samples of the adult population in six countries – Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland – was undertaken. Findings Legitimations related to the libraries role as a meeting place and arena for public debate are ranked as the 3 least important out of 12 possible legitimations for upholding a public library service. Libraries are, however, used extensively by the users to access citizenship information and to participate in public sphere relevant meetings. Originality/value Few studies have empirically analyzed the role of libraries in upholding a democratic and sustainable public sphere. This study contributes in filling that gap.
ISSN:0022-0418
1758-7379
DOI:10.1108/JD-02-2019-0015