Libraries and democracy – management implications Available to Purchase

Libraries are frequently described in such terms as the “cornerstones of liberty” and as a “democratic institution”. These descriptions offer lofty aspirations which have considerable support among both many librarians and many library users. They are expressed in a number of international and national statements including the IFLA UNESCO Public Library Manifesto. But their fulfilment poses challenges for management. Through modelling the democratic ideal, and defending it in difficult times, libraries and their managers can make a major contribution to the promotion and strengthening of democracy.