Redhaired Librarian

MoLib 2006: Libraries, Democracy, and the Public Interest

Libraries, Democracy, and the Public Interest
Presented by Denice Adkins, John Budd, and Doug Raber, University of Missouri
3:15-4 pm, October 4, 2006

This session was far too short. The presenters began with the Assumptions of Democracy (U.S. version): Public participation, informed citizenry, fundamental freedoms, individual rights, and majority rule. We spent a little time discussing what those meant, and then went on to try to figure out what was a library’s responsibility. The presenters asked whether libraries were obligated just to provide information or whether libraries were obligated to inform citizens. They asked for a show of hands. It appeared most of the people in the room believed libraries were simply obligated to provide information, but a few of the younger librarians in the room believed there was an obligation to inform. (I interpreted that to mean that libraries should offer not just materials, but sessions and displays.) It comes down to whether a library should be proactive or responsive. I believe there are good arguments for both.

The topic of library boards came up, as it does. Without a good library board, there’s little a library can do, it seems.

The session ended just as the discussion was really heating up.