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Canaries of Democracy: The Role of Public Libraries in Times of Political Turmoil

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Title: Canaries of Democracy: The Role of Public Libraries in Times of Political Turmoil
Authors: Hanell, Fredrik, Carlsson, Hanna, Engström, Lisa, Hansson, Joacim
Contributors: Lund University, Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, Departments, Department of Arts and Cultural Sciences, Information Practices: Communication, Culture and Society, Lunds universitet, Humanistiska och teologiska fakulteterna, Institutioner, Institutionen för kulturvetenskaper, Informationspraktiker: Kommunikation, Kultur och Samhälle, Originator, Lund University, Profile areas and other strong research environments, Lund University Profile areas, LU Profile Area: Human rights, Lunds universitet, Profilområden och andra starka forskningsmiljöer, Lunds universitets profilområden, LU profilområde: Mänskliga rättigheter, Originator, Lund University, Joint Faculties of Humanities and Theology, Departments, Department of Arts and Cultural Sciences, Division of ALM, Digital Cultures and Publishing Studies, Information Studies, Lunds universitet, Humanistiska och teologiska fakulteterna, Institutioner, Institutionen för kulturvetenskaper, Avdelningen för ABM, digitala kulturer samt förlags- och bokmarknadskunskap, Biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap, Originator
Source: Public Library Quarterly. 44(2):198-222
Subject Terms: Humanities and the Arts, Other Humanities, Cultural Studies, Humaniora och konst, Annan humaniora och konst, Kulturstudier, Other Humanities not elsewhere specified, Övrig annan humaniora
Description: This article reports conclusions from a three-year research project on Swedish public libraries. The focus of the project is on librarians experience of libraries mission to promote democracy when democratic norms and values are challenged politically by radical right populism. Results of a longitudinal survey point to stability and lack of political interest over time, but increased societal polarization causes several ethical dilemmas for librarians. Examples of illegitimate political influence and librarians adapting to changes in the political climate call for renewed discussions on the professional role and understandings of democracy in library practice.
Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/01616846.2024.2385741
Database: SwePub
Description
Abstract:This article reports conclusions from a three-year research project on Swedish public libraries. The focus of the project is on librarians experience of libraries mission to promote democracy when democratic norms and values are challenged politically by radical right populism. Results of a longitudinal survey point to stability and lack of political interest over time, but increased societal polarization causes several ethical dilemmas for librarians. Examples of illegitimate political influence and librarians adapting to changes in the political climate call for renewed discussions on the professional role and understandings of democracy in library practice.
ISSN:15411540
DOI:10.1080/01616846.2024.2385741