Governance of public library services: how philosophical approaches to a public service impact on practice

McMenemy, D. (2020) Governance of public library services: how philosophical approaches to a public service impact on practice. In: Abbott-Halpin, E. and Rankin, C. (eds.) Public Library Governance: International Perspectives. Series: IFLA publications (176). De Gruyter Saur, pp. 63-77. ISBN 9783110533323 (doi: 10.1515/9783110533323-006)

Abstract

This chapter explores how public libraries have been viewed histor­ically in view of the political philosophy of the day, how this has impacted on governance and how an understanding of this can contribute to more effective advocacy on behalf of the profession. Potential ethical stances on free public libraries are discussed, contrasting a utilitarian view with rights-based theory. It is argued that the philosophies of community and virtue when applied to social justice pose both potentially progressive and regressive dimensions. The focus of the chapter is the United Kingdom, but international readers should be able to recognise the theoretical influences discussed and how they might apply within their own countries.

• Item Type: Book Sections
• Keywords: Public libraries, governance, ethics, philosophy.
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: McMenemy, Dr David
• Authors: McMenemy, D.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Information Studies
• Journal Name: Public Library Governance
• Publisher: De Gruyter Saur
• ISBN: 9783110533323
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Munich/Boston
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy