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In 1999 Library Quarterly published the author's article "Tunnel Vision and Blind Spots: What the Past Tells Us about the Present; Reflections on the Twentieth-Century History of American Librarianship." In it he argued that library and information studies (LIS) research and discourse suffered from a narrow perspective that limited its ability to discern a wider range of contributions and roles libraries played in their host communities. In this follow-up article, by harnessing conclusions emanating from research for his new book, "Part of Our Lives": A People's History of the American Public Library (2015) as a test case, the author argues that LIS discourse and research continue to manifest tunnel vision and blind spots that limit librarianship's ability to more deeply understand its present circumstances and more prudently prepare for its future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study of the use of microblogs in libraries in India, highlighting the use of microblogging service Twitter by Indian librarians and of Indian libraries. Topics addressed include librarians' uses of Twitter for personal purposes and to promote the institutions at which they are employed, the prevalence of Twitter accounts among Indian librarians, and the IndiaLibraries blog.

This study categorizes 6959 reference desk transactions to determine how many of the queries require the attention of a librarian. Results indicate that 89% could likely be answered by non-librarians. From the results of this and other studies, the author explores the cost-effectiveness of staffing a traditional reference desk with librarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information literacy has established itself as an important subfield of librarianship. Yet although librarians justify information literacy as increasing democratic participation by all citizens, their efforts to improve ’quality control’ of information also threaten to restrict choice in systematic ways. This contradiction results in part from the genealogy of the terms ’information’ and ’literacy,’ terms that share a relationship traceable to an Enlightenment ideology, namely, that reading could transform society by informing its people. But reading's power to transform was also a contested issue for groups seeking political and cultural ascendancy, and reading genres that initially challenged conventional thought evolved into those that buttressed it. In the process, some groups came to be defined as information ’consumers’ and simultaneously excluded from the role of information ’producers.’ Strategies that can raise awareness of the assumptions underlying this legacy include critical analysis of language use and envisioning information use as a process that involves all users in both consumption and production. Adopting these can help librarians recognize that the tensions inherent in the discourse and practice of information literacy are not only unavoidable, but essential, if the basic condition of democracy—citizen participation—is to be fulfilled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on how libraries adapt to the changes in its service delivery systems. It discusses the difference between the 19th and 21st century librarians, where speed or reach is not the prime issue but of how the technology fundamentally reorders the relationship between those who produce the information and those who use it. It states that the social sustainability accepts both private and public acts that contribute to the effectiveness, quality and long-term survival of a society. The library today is seen as one of several possible economic and social knowledge tradeoff available to users and no longer an exclusive avenue of making research.

This paper investigates how academic librarians perceive the role of social networks in enhancing the professional skills of library staff, and how they can be used to promote library services. It is based on case study design in real organizational settings, which are two academic libraries in Jordan, namely the University of Jordan library and Al-Balqaa’ Applied University library. The authors used questionnaires to collect the required data in order to investigate the perceptions of library staff in relation to social networks and how they used social networks to promote library services. The results indicate high awareness and extensive use of social networks for professional development. However, it appears that social networks were not fully exploited to promote library services. It was noted that “job title” (staff position) was the only factor that affected the results, while other factors such as gender, experience, frequency of use and age had no effect on the results. It is concluded that academic libraries in Jordan should make better use of social networks to promote library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Around 1620, Maximilian I of Bavaria faced a dilemma regarding the Aulic Library (Hofbibliothek) at Munich. On the one hand, lending and displaying books was a way to show prestige. On the other hand, the knowledge contained in the Library was to be used for propaganda, which was impossible if the books were loaned or misplaced. Elder library clerks ignored this problem or were inept. Therefore, Maximilian appointed a devoted young official, Dr. Esaias Leuker, as head of the Library. Leuker put the duke's concept of order into practice or, at least, created an appearance of order. To accomplish this, he drafted a number of administrative records which he regularly submitted to the duke. Furthermore, he was an important propagandist author for Maximilian in the 1620ies. As a clerk and as an author he embodies the Library's transformation from a show of prestige to a propaganda tool of the State. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Overseas buying trips are a way that area specialist librarians acquire unique international materials. They may also provide other opportunities and benefits to individuals and institutions. This qualitative study, based on interviews with nine South Asia-area specialist librarians, attempts to examine the challenges, benefits, and opportunities in overseas buying trips and establish a set of best practices guidelines. Although this study is grounded in the South Asia context, the best practices may be applicable in other contexts to help librarians plan effective overseas acquisitions trips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study comprehensively analyzed domestic and foreign literature related to the value and impact of libraries on education, social behavior and economic conditions, developed a survey to investigate the librarians' perception of the libraries' value and impact, and accordingly investigated the perception of librarians according to the types of libraries in which they worked, public versus university. The results showed that the impact is greatest on education and literacy with a mean score of 3.98, followed by their social impact with 3.67 and their economic impact with 3.46. When subordinate items were analyzed it was found that the librarians perceived that the role that libraries are playing in the education area is expanding and their impact on reading and literacy is becoming greater and greater. Libraries were viewed as essential elements for education and the education system. When the difference in perception related to the impact of libraries was compared by types of libraries, the librarians in public libraries tended to rate their facilities higher than the librarians working in universities on most of the items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the author's insights about her experience hosting a library program which made her the type of librarian. Topics mentioned include the popularity of murder mystery programs to people of all ages, engaging teenagers in a volunteer work, and the planning process of the program, including the success of the program.

This essay considers how libraries and librarians resist and mobilize by sharpening the mind and strengthening solidarity, withstanding adverse conditions and providing shelter, and allowing for new community paths to be traveled despite the neoliberal insistence that there is no alternative. Militancy and commitment on the part of librarians are both discussed in terms of reading, literacy, identity, learning, training, and a form of leisure linked to culture. Everyday engagement in community-level activities and problem-solving by libraries goes hand-in-hand with supporting values such as justice, equality, solidarity, pluralism, freedom, equity, and respect. Trenches are used as a metaphor for libraries because the resistance work and struggle of librarians create spaces where certain fires are kept burning to inspire people sitting around them, and where resistance, planning, building, and counteracting are all possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a report and evaluation of a project specifically intended to enhance mid-career librarians’ understanding of the research process, to encourage their willingness and ability to support research in their own libraries and to motivate them to participate in the knowledge production enterprise in their own institutions. Outcomes of the project were viewed through the lens of change theory to see whether any demonstrable changes had been effected. The programme was conducted with 25 participants in July 2012 and focused on the research landscape and scholarly communication in South Africa, and on an understanding of the challenges inherent in the world of the researcher. The skills sets required of research librarians were identified, and opportunities were provided for participants to participate in some of them. Participants’ feedback was requested after each presentation and an online exit survey was completed in participants own time shortly after the programme. Further evaluations were conducted six and 15 months after the intervention and the results are discussed. From the findings it was possible to conclude that a project such as this could produce some evidence of actual knowledge production as well as enhance collaboration between librarians and researchers.Note: An earlier, shorter report of this project reflecting the first phase of the study was presented at the 34th Annual IATUL (International Association of Technological University Libraries) Conference in Cape Town in 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses ways that partnerships can help make tabletop gaming a successful program in libraries. Topics discussed include tabletop games as a chance for librarians to develop partnership in the local community, materials needed for tabletop game programs, benefits of tabletop gaming and benefits of partnerships to libraries.

The article offers the author's insights on mentoring, writing blogs on technology in libraries, and the role of librarians and public libraries in mentoring. Topics discussed include the advice she received from the University of Calgary Libraries' Paul Pival which led her to a job as a distance learning librarian, the wisdom and encouragement shared by other librarians, and the Oregon Library Association (OLA) mentoring program.

Purpose -- Accessibility and inclusion are at the very core of what libraries are all about and libraries and librarians have an essential, catalytic role to play in facilitating the full participation of people with disabilities in society. Inclusive librarians ensure that their library's facilities, services, programs, collections, and technology are designed in ways in which all people, regardless of their ability, have an opportunity to participate in and use them. The purpose of this chapter is to raise librarian awareness to the importance of providing effective, well-designed, inclusive programs and services to patrons with disabilities and ensuring that all libraries are physically and virtually accessible to everyone. Methodology/approach -- The chapter provides a brief review of the history and current state of accessible and inclusive libraries, including the laws and policies governing it and identifies some of the major barriers to successful accessibility and inclusion (including insufficient time and money, externally controlled decision-making, unawareness of existing services, and inadequate training). Findings -- The chapter offers a variety of practical strategies for overcoming those barriers, with potential or actual examples of how librarians have/can put them into action. Originality/value -- The chapter concludes with descriptions of special national, regional, and state initiatives, including Syracuse University's Project ENABLE (Expanding Nondiscriminatory Access By Librarians Everywhere), Florida State University's Project PALS (Panhandle Autism Library Services), and the Illinois State Library's Targeting Autism projects, all designed to help librarians ensure that their library' facilities, programs, and services are accessible and inclusive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the theories pf philosopher Marshall McLuhan of communication theory and public intellectual. It mentions the criticism of several librarians towards the theories of McLuhan that provide a blueprint for libraries into the future and beyond. It notes the significant role of librarians in allowing students to contemplate the media around them and the impact of various media forms on society.

In this editorial the various relationships, both theoretical and technological, impacting on modern Information Science are analyzed. Among many topics, the current name of "Librarianship"; the role of libraries in the context of "new forms of sociability"; the reconfiguration of the libraries typologies; the current forms of collaboration and partnerships; user participation in the processes of library management are addressed, among other things that transform the concepts of the discipline in a dynamics of "mobile articulations and paradigms". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Librarians know their "own" library like the backs of their hands, but how well do they understand the experiences and expectations of their target groups in dealing with "their" library? This article takes a fresh look at how to approach the daily tasks from a different and unusual perspective; looking at things from a different point of view and evoking a change of roles. "Hang around and be alert" or "going native" are ethnographical mantras on how to professionally expand your internal and external perspectives of matters that are alien to you. This article is a plea to engage differently with the familiar working world as has been the case in the past. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which analyzes the image of libraries and librarians in the French newspaper "Le Monde" and its supplements from 1999 to 2009 which includes a corpus of over 400 articles. Topics discussed include a study dedicated to the municipal library in Arles, France, an article focusing on the multimedia library (médiathèque) in Troyes, France, and articles dealing with the role of libraries in society.

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the political and strategic skills needed by library leaders in today's library environment. The discussion is based on a small scale research project focused on opinions of skills needed by library leaders. The survey involved a questionnaire of librarianship students and library practitioners as well as interviews with established library leaders in both the academic and public library sectors in the United Kingdom. This is supported by an analysis of relevant literature. Analysis revealed some disagreement between the three groups of respondents on the importance of some of the leadership skills discussed, particularly those focused around 'political awareness and sensitivity'. It is suggested, however, that these skills are becoming ever more vital as libraries need to prove their worth to funders in increasingly difficult financial circumstances for publicly funded institutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this column is to discuss the importance of recognition for libraries and librarians as the providers of a "fundamental" service in society. Design/methodology/approach – The article comprises a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by writers and researchers. Findings – It is imperative that there is recognition that the library fulfills the need that a community is not considered whole unless a library is in place. Originality/value – The value in addressing this issue is to recognize the importance of the library as an institution serving one of the fundamental needs of a society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the results of a study investigating the role of libraries and information science professionals in cultural heritage preservation in Nigeria. Cultural heritage training received by librarians, the formats of cultural heritage present in institutions, and preservation methods used by librarians are studies, and challenges faced by preservation institutions are commented on. The author's argument that cultural preservation is essential to Nigeria's future is also commented on.

Social libraries were public libraries before there were modern public libraries. Seldom mentioned in general histories, they played a significant role in promoting access to print culture in the early United States. Social libraries were not publicly governed or paid for by government revenue, but were independent local groups interested in sharing books and spreading 'useful knowledge'. They were generally open to all respectable people, mostly adult white males, and helped prepare the way for public libraries. Antebellum America was not accustomed to government-supported institutions like schools and libraries. Americans had to go through a period of cultural experimentation in which the relative popularity but failure of voluntary libraries gave way to the growth of publicly governed and funded libraries. Social libraries were therefore a necessary stage in institutional development to prepare America for tax-supported public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article compares Progressive Era and Depression era views of libraries and their social importance, primarily emphasizing the ways in which predictions concerning the future of libraries in the U.S. highlight the importance of these institutions to society. The author analyzes the influence of individualism, collective planning, and morality on such predictions concerning future library use, along with notions of big business and technological advancements. The predictions of librarian Melvil Dewey, Italian librarian Guido Biagi, and librarian Arthur Bostwick are provided, among others.

Objective - To examine whether liaison librarian interactions increase when librarians are physically embedded in their liaison areas. Design - Natural experiment using quantitative measures. Setting - A large, public university in the United States of America. Subjects - Liaison librarian reference interactions. Methods - This research is organized around four primary research questions that examine the effect of liaison librarian physical, colocated embeddedness on the following: 1) the frequency of walk-up reference transactions of the embedded location versus the service desk; 2) the frequency of reference and instructional transactions with liaison areas after the implementation of embedded services; 3) the frequency of walk-up transactions at embedded sites compared to the number of reference and instructional transactions after embeddedness began; and 4) liaison librarian participation in new collaborative or integrative activities with their liaison areas. Researchers used data collected between Fall 2012 and Spring 2014 and compared this to data collected in the pre-embedded period for Fall 2010 to Fall 2011. Data sources included the library's locally developed reference services statistics tracking tool, individual librarians' calendar appointment records, and librarian performance agreements. The analysis uses descriptive statistics. Main Results - Researchers discovered a decrease in the frequency of liaison librarians' walk-up reference transactions at the service desk, as tracked by transactions per hour, occurring before the transition, during the transition, and after the transition to embedded librarianship. They note a decrease of 45% in the number of walk-up interactions at service points for the three librarians involved in the study from the preembeddedness service period during Fall 2010 as compared to Spring 2012. The data show this decline through Spring 2013 before rebounding in Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. They identified a median decline of three transactions per hour at the service desk from the pre-embeddedness to post-embeddedness periods. They identified an increase of 371% in the number of email transactions following the implementation of embedded librarianship as compared to the pre-embeddedness period. Telephone interactions declined overall during the research period, though they were already in decline before the transition to embeddedness began. The overall number of face-to-face reference appointments increased during the transition to embeddedness and continued to rise during the postembeddedness period, with a 275% increase in the median number of appointments between pre- and post-embeddedness periods. The new embeddedness service did not have as significant an impact on the frequency of information literacy instruction sessions, with a small increase of 11.5% between the pre- and post-embeddedness periods, but it did spur the creation of online course research guides, which saw an increase of 54%. Regarding the third research question, researchers totalled the combined numbers of reference transactions by phone, email, and appointment, and compared those against walk-up interactions and also against instruction activities. In both cases, they did not discover any apparent impact of embeddedness and the frequency of these activities. The final research question addressed whether embeddedness led to liaison librarians having new collaborative and integrative activities with their subject areas. The researchers indicate that the liaison librarians "indeed experienced novel interactions with their assigned departments that fall into both categories" (p. 547). They highlight several types of activities experienced by the liaison librarians in the study, such as participating in the grant proposal process, assisting department projects, and involvement in student activities. Conclusion - This library's expanded embedded library services led to an increased frequency of reference interactions, instruction opportunities, and opportunities for new collaborative and integrative activities between the liaison librarian and their subject area. This study reveals several opportunities for future research around embedded services as well as models of embeddedness, including opportunities to address impact and benefits of such services on the liaison areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Think you don't go to libraries anymore? Far from it! As the library goes online, the labour of librarians and archivists is becoming increasingly invisible - and inflexible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses information flow patterns in organizations and the information dynamic in libraries that can create knowledge. The discussion topics include the dissemination of information, face-to-face communication in organizations, and information theory. The six elements in the Shannon-Weaver information Model of Communication, which begins with a source and ends with a receiver, are discussed in the context of communication between a librarian and library user. The paper emphasizes the importance of a free flow of information in organizations and among staff and clientele.

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article focuses on the social vision of Mexican librarian Judith Licea on the library science, and its interpretation in three spheres which relate libraries to excluding society, including society and plural society. It presents the author's opinion about the social library science which shows how various categories associated to social librarianship can be formed. It discusses how the professional librarians face challenges in the process of learning and teaching.

This study investigates how information literacy courses have been taught in American Library Association-accredited library and information science programmes. Using a content analysis approach, we compared information literacy course syllabi from Master of Library Science (MLS) programmes collected in 2005 and 2009. In addition, courses in school library media (SLM) programmes were analysed and compared with MLS syllabi. It was found that the goals of information literacy courses in both types of programme are to educate librarians who can facilitate the development of information literacy skills in the communities they serve. However, our analysis revealed different approaches: information literacy courses in MLS programmes focused on instructional techniques while SLM courses focused on integrating information literacy in the larger educational context. Although instructional techniques are still important, recent literature suggests that effective information literacy education requires integrating skills in learners' unique contexts. We suggest that MLS courses need to go beyond instructional methods and emphasise more collaboration and integration of information literacy practices in their users' communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From among the constituent parts of the library (collection reader, librarian, service, infrastructure, maintaining body) the role of librarian is determinant. Librarians should therefore reconsider their duties in a rapidly changing world (different reader priorities, different materials, new services, financial restrictions, new opportunities of information technology etc.). If libraries and librarians do not act in alliance with readers, they may loose their main supporter. During the development of the Gutenberg galaxy the library's role was definitive in access to materials by readers, especially in the past century. Today, however, readers are not satisfied if they can rely on the library during its opening hours, for 30-40 or, eventually, 50-60 hours a week only. They need services which can be accessed at any time from anywhere because technologically it is feasible in the information society. New tasks require continuous "rebirth" of librarians: during a career of forty years one has to (should) completely renew oneself four times. The alliance mentioned survives if librarians can create again and again harmony with their readers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of librarians in modern society. It explores some misconceptions of this role, including the identification of librarians as defenders of public decency. It looks at libraries as the center of controversies concerning attempts to ban books. It advises librarians to make books available to the community if they are perceived as guardians of community rectitude. In addition, the article observes that librarians feel constrained to purchase books that may contradict their own personal beliefs.

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the 29th IATUL Conference on "Digital discovery: strategies and solutions" held in Auckland, New Zealand in April 2008. Design/methodology/approach - The article gives an outline of the issues, content, keynote speakers, social networking and location of this conference. Findings - The IATUL meeting presented a wide range of cutting-edge topics defining the future roles of librarians in a globalised information society. Participants gained insights into the workings and visions of librarians around the globe, had the opportunity to share experiences and best practice and to find new inspiration and encouragement for their own daily work. The conference included areas such as policies for the information society, digitalization strategies, open access initiatives, e-research developments, library support for e-science, library customer orientation, Web 2.0 applications for libraries, learning experiences of the Net generation, information literacy as well as data and knowledge management. Originality/value - The paper provides a conference report of value to library and information professionals, in particular to library directors and senior managers, regarding the development of a modern dynamic infrastructure for digital information and communication and the role of libraries therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of IFLA Journal is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents a speech from Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered at the World Library and Information Congress: 74th IFLA General Conference and Council, in which she discusses the historical role of libraries, technology in the library, and reading camps for children.

Copyright of Bulletin des bibliothèques de France is the property of ENSSIB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Parliamentary libraries are important in their principal role as information providers to parliamentarians. They are expected to offer a wide variety of specialized services, often under very pressing conditions. Despite not being very effective on the African continent, the South African parliamentary libraries are valued service centers known to actively disseminate information. This study aimed to determine their role as information providers. A survey, in the form of a questionnaire, was used to obtain data about the libraries and the services they provide. It was found that depending on the staff available the libraries offered a number of services to parliamentarians, which ranged from lending services to providing in-depth reports on issues of the day. Library collections ranged from printed sources to electronic and audiovisual records. Computers are used in all the libraries, both for administrative purposes and for information acquisition and dissemination. Numerous innovative methods have been adopted to in form users about the available services, and presently, the electronic medium is also used as an alerting tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the declining legitimacy of the war in Vietnam and widespread challenges to the authority of established institutions and cultural norms, the American Library Association (ALA) was the target of criticism by a diverse coalition of librarians who asserted two broad demands; first, that the ALA expand the scope of its activities to include consideration of social and political issues that had not, to that point, been regarded as "library" issues by the established leadership of the ALA: second, that the ALA democratize its structure of decision making. This challenge led to the creation of the Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), which is still active as a component of the ALA. It also prompted the formation of two committees in response to the above demands: the Activities Committee on New Directions (ACONDA) and the Ad Hoc Activities Committee on New Directions (ANACONDA). A central concept at play in the politics of these events is the notion of "social responsibility" and its meaning in time of war and social change. This article focuses on the discourse of the challengers to the ALA and the ALA's response through the work of ACONDA and ANACONDA to examine the contesting and contested meanings of the "social responsibility" of libraries, librarianship, and the ALA. These events and this discursive struggle established an explicit professional concern for and continuing conflict over the meaning and role of libraries and librarianship in the creation of culture that before these events had been merely implicit in professional discourse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose — The purpose of this article is to examine the changing role and image of libraries and librarians, along with the overall information culture prevalent in four Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries that were undergoing socio-political changes. The core question investigated in this article is whether libraries as social and cultural institutions have a role to play in enabling individuals to acquire the types of skills and competencies that extend far beyond the realm of the library walls to encompass practices that translate into various spheres of individuals' lives, including their participation in political, economic and civic life. Design/methodology/approach — Interviews were conducted in 1999 with 49 library policymakers in Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic (and selected follow-up interviews were conducted in 2002), to shed light on the role of libraries in social and political reconfigurations of their nations. Findings — The library is a ubiquitous component of the information environment of any society and plays a critical role in connecting information resources and services with users. Yet, despite their ubiquity and centrality in the production, management and dissemination of information in society, libraries have been largely neglected in many CEE countries. Libraries can play a critical role in political reconfiguration of their nation by building the types of skills and competencies that will empower individuals and thereby contribute to shaping an information culture that meets the needs of the time. Originality/value — The paper contributes to one's understanding of the political dimensions of the provision of information resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]