Public libraries as an infrastructure for a sustainable public sphere

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the shaping of public libraries as an infrastructure for a sustainable public sphere through a comprehensive literature review. Design/methodology/approach In order to capture the whole picture of this research field, we utilize comprehensive review methodology. The major research questions are: first, to what extent have research topics regarding libraries as public sphere institutions expanded and diversified? Which theoretical perspectives inform research? Second, which challenges and topics does the research focus upon, such as: social inclusion and equal access to information; digital inequalities; censorship and freedom of expression; and access to places and spaces with a democratic potential and the role of libraries in that respect? Third, what influence has social media exerted on libraries in the context of the expanding digital world? Findings The authors identified mainly four themes regarding the public library and public sphere, such as: the importance of public libraries by using Habermas’s theory; the function of meeting places within the public library and setting those places in the center of the library in order to enhance and encourage democracy; the relationship between social inclusion and public libraries and its functions in current society such as diminishing the digital divide; and the emerging electronic resources and arena of SNS in public libraries and utilizing them to reach citizens. Originality/value Capturing the recent history of this research field through comprehensive review is valuable.

Recent Development on Social Media Usage for the Evaluation of Library Users’ Satisfaction

“…They also said that this restraint has impacted the adoption of social media in libraries. Meanwhile, Audunson et al (2019) point out in their research that it is the role of libraries to secure the internet and evening out the digital divide. But how can these be achievable in a third-world country?…”

Cultural policy, the public sphere, and public libraries: a comparison of Norwegian, American, and Japanese models

“…The authors identify five themes: 1) community, 2) knowledge organization, 3) new tools and services, 4) institutional structures and practices, and 5) management and funding. A further literature review by Audunson et al (2019) identifies four themes in the literature: (1) the importance of public libraries by using Habermas's theory, (2) the function of meeting places within the public library and setting those places in the center of the library in order to enhance and encourage democracy, (3) the relationship between social inclusion and public libraries and its functions in current society such as diminishing the digital divide, (4) the emerging electronic resources and arena of SNS in public libraries and utilizing them to reach citizens. Widdersheim and Koizumi (2019) examine the research foundations of existing literature related to the public sphere and public libraries.…”

The public sphere and Habermas: reflections on the current state of theory in public library research

“…Scholars of library and information science have also emphasized this aspect of public libraries in recent years, deeming public libraries an important element in the infrastructure of a sustainable public sphere (Audunson et al, 2019). Habermas' theory has proven helpful when conceptualizing this aspect of the mission of public libraries.…”