ABSTRACT
The development of the Community Led Library took place in two phases: Community Librarianship (1970–1980) and Community Led (1980–2000). Historical materialism shaped the Community Led Library Strategy, Structures and Systems (or Base), which in turn determined the Organisational Culture (or Superstructure). The defining characteristics of the Community Led Library are described within a three-level Analytical Framework: Marx, Maslow and Management. Empirical evidence is used from six case study libraries to illustrate the key features of a Community Led Library.
