INLS843 Seminar in Public Libraries

22 January 2007 - The Philosophical Context

Conversation Starter

Hello, Grisham -- So Long, Hemingway? With Shelf Space Prized, Fairfax Libraries Cull Collections, by Lisa Rein, Washington Post, 02 January 2007

does this tell us something about the philosophical context in which the Fairfax County library management is operating?
what do you think about how Arlington County is considering the problem?
read some of the comments posted about the article and ponder the philosophical context of the posters

Discussion themes

There are three different interpretations in the literature review

which one appeals to you the most?
are any of them invalid?
or, do you have another take on the topic?

Other readings

Another view from someone you might want to get to know

Poverty, Democracy and Public Libraries by Kathleen de la Peña McCook, University of South Florida

Public library development in the United States, 1850-1870: an empirical analysis

Robert V. Williams Journal of Library History 21 (1) Winter 86, 177-201. tables. 24 refs
The ability of the classical social conditions theory to explain public library development in the USA during the middle of the Nineteenth century is examined. Using data collected by the Census Bureau in 1850, 1860, and 1870 on public, school, church, Sunday school, and college libraries, 7 socioeconomic variables are analyzed using correlation and multiple regression techniques. Results indicate that there are both merits and weaknesses to this classical explanation of library development. While the best explanatory variable often differs from one time to the next and from one type of library to another, education and economic ability provide the best overall explanation.

Libraries for the many: the philosophical roots of the early public library movement.

A. Black Library 9 (1 and 2) 1991, p.27-36. refs.
The idea of the public library emerged with the growth of mass society in the first half of the Nineteenth century, underpinned by the philosophy of utilitarianism. Explores the philosophical heritage of the public library describing utilitarianism, idealism and their influential adherents. Discusses the purpose of studying the public library's intellectual development.