readings for 01-07 September 2008
the philosophical context
We have thought about the basic history of the American public library in our consideration of the two selections from our text. This next topic, however, goes into the issue a bit deeper.
The first reading below is a literature review of how scholars have questioned the motives of the people who caused public libraries to exist at all. It is a historical review and it is focused in large part on developments in the South and in North Carolina, but it also does a good job of discussing how complex is the issue and how varied were (and are) the motives of public library supporters.
The second two readings are optional (in that you are not required to post a consideration about them), but both are very interesting and are fuller explorations of topics raised in the first reading.
The username and password to use, should you be prompted for one, is on our blog at Username and password for readings
Read this one and plan to post a consideration about it
- Bergquist, R. (2008) The Philosophical Context
You may find these interesting as well.
You do not have to post considerations of these two, but you may find you will want to incorporate some of the thoughts in these papers into your required consideration.
- Harris, M.H. (1975)
The Role of the Public Library in American Life
- The Harris article is the complete statement of his position of the motives of the original founders of public libraries.
- You might ask yourselves if the motives he ascribes to them are still prevalent today in your own public library settings.
- Garrison, D. (2003)
Apostles of Culture, The Public Librarian and American Society,
1876-1920
- The Garrison book is not the complete book, but rather is her preface in which she explains why she undertook to write it
- It also includes the forward by Christine Pawley which discusses the reception Dee Garrison received from librarians after her book came out.
- Again, you might ask yourselves if some of the same things are happening in your own public library settings.