Abstract
Historically, libraries have evolved from safekeeping masses of information to democratizing information for the masses, and as a result, have become a vital structure in the support of community resiliency. Yet, the value of a contemporary public library is consistently understated. As such, it must be deliberately examined and celebrated, begging the question: what is the role of libraries as a public institution in civil society? In response, this research illuminates the ways in which libraries have motivated society towards inclusion, equity, and community cohesion in engaging with models of library and information science from the lenses of critical theories, clarifying the methods and extent of which libraries influence dimensions of community resiliency and quality of life. The research is two-fold: first, a methodological investigation is made into the link between library and community through use of secondary data analysis for Kentucky counties, and second, personal surveying and content analyses illuminates such themes on an individual level. Further nuance is supplemented through a brief discussion of the effects of COVID-19 on libraries, their services, and librarianship as a profession. It is the intention of this thesis to illuminate the vision of a public library and its reflection of cultural values, connection to democracy, and relationship to communities through an intersectional lens. In turn, a clarified model of librarianship is offered as a path forward to minimize inequality and promote community cohesion and resilience. In uniting the public and personal, the research aims to clarify these complex relationships and affirm the value of public infrastructure in contemporary social life.
Semester/Year of Award
Spring 2022
Mentor
James N. Maples
Mentor Department Affiliation
Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology
Access Options
Restricted Access Thesis
Document Type
Bachelor Thesis
Degree Name
Honors Scholars
Degree Level
Bachelor's
Department
Language and Cultural Studies, Anthropology, and Sociology
IRB Approval Number (if applicable)
4424
Recommended Citation
Rehm, Mora N., "Envisioning Libraries as Community: Investigating Social Infrastructure and Community Cohesion" (2022). Honors Theses. 911.
https://encompass.eku.edu/honors_theses/911
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