Public libraries as public sphere institutions: A comparative study of perceptions of the public library’s role in six European countries

Abstract

<i>Purpose</i> – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of public libraries as institutions underpinning a democratic public sphere as reasons legitimizing libraries compared to reasons that are more traditional and the actual use of libraries as public sphere arenas. <p>

<p><i>Design/methodology/approach</i> – A survey of representative samples of the adult population in six countries–Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Hungary and Switzerland–was undertaken.<p>

<p><i>Findings</i> – Legitimations related to the libraries role as a meeting place and arena for public debate are ranked as the 3 least important out of 12 possible legitimations for upholding a public library service. Libraries are, however, used extensively by the users to access citizenship information and to participate in public sphere relevant meetings.<p>

<p><i>Originality/value</i> – Few studies have empirically analyzed the role of libraries in upholding a democratic and sustainable public sphere. This study contributes in filling that gap.