...Nanna Kann-Rasmussen; Hans Dam Christensen; Henrik Jochumsen; Casper Hvenegaard Rasmussen Purpose This article examines how “neutrality” has been challenged in the research literature on libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) over the past ca. 25 years. The concept of neutrality shapes our...

.... Findings Dominant themes emerged on the public library's nature, function and neutrality. Supporters believed that public libraries value democracy, foster development of individuals, and advance human rights. Challengers believed that public libraries had a role as a protector and should be unaligned...

...Anne-Sofie Elbrønd Nissen; Nanna Kann-Rasmussen Purpose This article explores the ranging notions of a public library for all and the related conflicts on for all and the principle of neutrality in Norway and Denmark. Design/methodology/approach A document study of four...

...Espen Eigil Barratt-Due Solum Purpose This article explores how Norwegian public libraries negotiate neutrality and activism in response to national policy implementing the United Nations (UN) goals for sustainable development. Design/methodology/approach Informed by the ongoing academic...

... and History, (3) Communication and Education, (4) Economy and (5) Librarianship, with the most diverse literature being related to democracy, and its subsections intellectual freedom, neutrality, the public sphere, social justice and social capital. Originality/value The outcome of our results indicates...

... of neutrality and librarians' inclusive practices on the part of societal minorities might be conflicting when managing public libraries as civil public spheres. Originality/value This paper engages with recent library controversies in Norway and discusses them in light of recent scholarly work on library...

...Antonella Foderaro Purpose This study introduces Simone Weil's impersonal justice concept and its relevance to libraries' identity and role in societies. The article presents the constituents of impersonal justice and a theoretical justification for the coexistence of neutrality with libraries...

...Stephen Macdonald Purpose This study builds on a first study by Macdonald and Birdi (2019) that argues the concept of neutrality within library and information science (LIS) demands a sensitivity to context often omitted in existing literature. This study aims to develop the conceptual...

...Stephen Macdonald; Briony Birdi Briony Birdi can be contacted at: b.birdi@sheffield.ac.uk 31 05 2019 01 08 2019 04 08 2019 © Emerald Publishing Limited 2019 Emerald Publishing Limited Licensed re-use rights only Neutrality is a much debated value in library...