Introduction

The history of the public library is divided into three main phases: the Traditional Library (1850–1970); the Community Led Library (1970–2000); the Needs Based Library (2000–present). Social class is a key determinant of public library use and non use. The ideas of Karl Marx, Abraham Maslow and Management theorists are used to develop an Analytical Framework for understanding and changing public libraries. The main elements of this Framework are Strategy, Structures, Systems and Culture. The nature of these elements determines whether a public library is Traditional, Community Led or Needs Based. Case study evidence substantiates this model.