ABSTRACT
John Gardner, a former US cabinet official, contends that the amount and rapidity of change in our society is creating stress in our communities. The creation of stronger ethnic and neighborhood communities carries a risk that they may become isolated, and that isolation can lead to conflict. A fundamental premise for libraries and librarians in the United States is intellectual freedom—the right to read, view, hear, and consider diverse opinions on a wide range of topics, many of which may not be mainstream or in favor with the community. Most communities have a long-standing tradition of valuing library service. The creation of new library facilities demonstrates that communities continue to view the buildings, collections, and services as a community asset. The library should focus more on access and communication, and perhaps less on ownership. The basis of the public library has moved beyond the book to include magazines, microfilm, and other graphic representations of information and knowledge.
