ABSTRACT

A study of libraries and the role they play in both inner city areas and dispersed rural communities. It examines the library as a cultural institution, considering its spatial and symbolic presence and exploring its public service remit. The book is intended for undergraduates and postgraduates on library and information science courses and as supplementary reading for cultural and communications studies, tourism and recreation, human geography and sociology - as well as for public and academic librarians.

part 1|16 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 1|7 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 2|7 pages

Key concepts

part 2|32 pages

Institutions in crisis

chapter Chapter 3|7 pages

The end of enlightenment

chapter Chapter 4|11 pages

The changing role of public institutions

chapter Chapter 5|6 pages

The modern library network

chapter Chapter 6|6 pages

Political invisibility

part 3|22 pages

The “libraryness” of libraries

chapter Chapter 7|9 pages

What makes libraries special?

chapter Chapter 8|11 pages

The era of light and glass

part 4|66 pages

Spheres of influence

chapter Chapter 9|16 pages

Libraries and urban vitality

chapter Chapter 11|12 pages

Education and life-long learning

chapter Chapter 12|18 pages

Information and the right to know

part 5|31 pages

Tomorrow's world

chapter Chapter 14|11 pages

Past, present and future