Bibliotecas y sociedad: el paradigma social de la biblioteca pública

Abstract

The author analyzes theoretical aspects associated with the so-called “library-society” relationship paradigm. The scope to the discussion includes: 1) the public library as a social institution; 2) the social principles of the public library; 3) the social ethos of the public library, and 4) the public library as builder of the community. The paper concludes that this library institution contributes to building better citizenry, i.e., a more educated, better informed citizen who can participate in society while enhancing the operation of the democratic state.