Democracy and the Public Library: Essays on Fundamental Issues

(Hardback)

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The free exchange of ideas is central to any democracy, and libraries are central to the free exchange of ideas. Hafner examines many of the issues at the heart of the library's role in a democratic society and demonstrates the practical importance of the library's democratic mission. In order to make informed decisions about acquisitions, librarians must be familiar with the legal and intellectual debates surrounding controversial material. The opening chapters of the volume provide an historical and theoretical context for the democratic role of the library by discussing issues related to canonicity. Later chapters discuss legal issues related to the library as a forum for free expression, the Richard R. Kreimer case, and the confidentiality of library records. Chapter authors thoroughly discuss issues that impact the daily functioning of the library. Their backgrounds in library and political science, law, management, sociology, and literary studies bring a fresh perspective to these controversial and hotly debated issues. The book will be of special interest to all practicing librarians, library trustees and administators, and to library science students.

Reviews

.,."librarians who want to address these issues at a high level of professional competence and understanding will find few if any treatments combining as broad an approach with as much balanced and thorough research and clear writing. This volume would be a solid addition to any public library or professional collection."-Public Libraries
...librarians who want to address these issues at a high level of professional competence and understanding will find few if any treatments combining as broad an approach with as much balanced and thorough research and clear writing. This volume would be a solid addition to any public library or professional collection.-Public Libraries
..."librarians who want to address these issues at a high level of professional competence and understanding will find few if any treatments combining as broad an approach with as much balanced and thorough research and clear writing. This volume would be a solid addition to any public library or professional collection."-Public Libraries

Author Bio

ARTHUR W. HAFNER is a consultant, author, and lecturer. He is the former Director of the Division of Library and Information Management at the American Medical Association. He is an Adjunct Professor of Library Science at Rosary College.