Public libraries as public sphere institutions: A comparative study of perceptions of the public library’s role in six European countries
Audunson, Ragnar Andreas; Aabø, Svanhild; Blomgren, Roger; Hobohm, Hans Christoph; Jochumsen, Henrik; Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood; Mumenthaler, Rudolf; Schuldt, Karsten; Rasmussen, Casper Hvenegaard; Rydbeck, Kerstin; Toth, Mate; Vårheim, Andreas
Original version
Audunson RA, Aabø S, Blomgren R, Hobohm HC, Jochumsen H, Khosrowjerdi, Mumenthaler, Schuldt K, Rasmussen, Rydbeck K, Toth M, Vårheim AV. Public libraries as public sphere institutions: A comparative study of perceptions of the public library’s role in six European countries. Journal of Documentation. 2019 https://dx.doi.org/10.1108/JD-02-2019-0015Abstract
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.
Publisher
EmeraldSeries
Journal of Documentation;Publication date 26 SeptemberJournal
Journal of Documentation
Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as This postprint-version is licenced under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial International Licence 4.0 (CC BY-NC 4.0).
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