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Public libraries and public spheres have been widely studied over the past three decades. In recent years, several studies have comprehensively reviewed past research results to reveal the main issues, concerns, and research topics in the field of public libraries and public spheres. These studies have elucidated that the research theme of public libraries as a 'meeting place' has received increasing attention. They also noted the need for quantitative approaches in this field. Addressing this requirement, we conducted quantitative topic modelling using latent Dirichlet allocation and established an overview of research topics in the literature related to public libraries as public spheres. The following four periods emerged: first period (1993–2003), second period (2004–2010), third period (2011–2015), and fourth period (2016–2022). By analysing a cross-section of research topics from all periods, we elucidated the transitions of research themes developed in the research field. In addition, our comparison of topic model maps and topics over the years revealed that research topics appear to have become increasingly complex. Research topics on meeting places in public libraries have emerged continually and changed over time, covering (1) places for individual civic group activities, (2) public spaces where patrons face diversity and pluralism, (3) community spaces where patrons foster social trust, and (4) social spaces where patrons build social capital in the community. This result indicates that the research on public libraries as public spheres has gradually developed based on these venues being meeting places and will continue to progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to comprehensively describe the legitimacy of the public library in the 21st century. Design/methodology/approach: The research involved a comprehensive literature review using the Library and Information Science Abstracts (LISA) database with keywords "Library" and "Legitimacy", combined with citation searches and additional collections. In total, we analysed 159 research articles primarily from the 21st century, with some comparative analysis of pre-2,000 works. The final phase of the research investigated libraries' legitimisation efforts across various dimensions, examining how they employ rhetoric and theories to maintain legitimacy amidst challenging circumstances. Findings: Through this research process, five dimensions of public library legitimacy emerged; (1) Democracy, (2) Culture and History, (3) Communication and Education, (4) Economy and (5) Librarianship, with the most diverse literature being related to democracy, and its subsections intellectual freedom, neutrality, the public sphere, social justice and social capital. Originality/value: The outcome of our results indicates that the evolving legitimacy of the public library in the 21st century has become multifaceted, compared to the elements of legitimacy in the 20th century. Contemporary public libraries can continue to utilise the dimensions of legitimacy identified in this study and can reconstruct their legitimacy accordingly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing and persistent social divisions are a global challenge that threaten the stability of our societies and soundness of our democracies. Public libraries can potentially play an ameliorative role in reducing these divisions. Qualitative data analysis of Oslo's public library system's (Deichman) programming and events is used to understand how libraries are addressing social divisions in their communities. The findings suggest that a variety of events organized by Deichman directly contribute to overcoming social divisions, especially those related to economic inequalities, sociocultural factors, and the unequal access to digital technologies. Deichman also appears to contribute to overcoming social divisions indirectly through its programing and events related to more traditional library services. The study concludes that Deichman may be a significant player in addressing social divisions. Lastly, the study provides important insights into the role of libraries as social arenas and their ability to foster community resilience, tolerance, and democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, programmes and events have become one of the major services of public libraries. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive and detailed investigation of the types of programmes and events that occur in modern public libraries that provide new services, in addition to traditional services such as book lending. The Helsinki Central Library Oodi (Finland) was used as a case study and data posted on their webpage was collected for analysis. In Finland, as per the Library Act of 2017, public libraries are encouraged to hold programmes and events. Accordingly, various programmes and events are held at Oodi. A total of 1,330 events (excluding duplicates) took place between 13 August 2019 and 31 October 2020 and were coded using the open coding method and grouped into categories. Oodi provided users with many types of learning and experience opportunities through programmes and events, aiming to eliminate social disparities and ensure equality among citizens. Many programmes and events were held to provide citizens with a place for social interaction and dialogue, creating connections among them. The library's traditional resource, that is, its collection, was central to many programmes and events. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the library has been contributing to the community by holding programmes and events online. This study is the first to comprehensively elucidate the contents of programmes and events held in a modern public library, which is expected to contribute to the further dissemination and development of these types of programmes and events. Furthermore, this study promotes research on specific programmes and events and encourage discussion regarding the linkages between events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this research is to examine the evolving democratic librarianship and its robust connection to the Nordic societal model. Through an analysis of libraries in Oslo, Tromsø, Stockholm, Aarhus and Helsinki, as well as recent changes in library laws, we have analysed contemporary democratic librarianship in the Nordic countries through four essential factors: (1) citizens in democratic activities within libraries, (2) library managerial decisions, (3) activities of political parties within public libraries and (4) library laws. Through the analysis, we show that this robust and unique ecosystem is supported by (1) discussions at book clubs and shared readings events connected to common societal concerns, (2) criteria of library directors and managers, such as neutrality, freedom of speech and clauses of the Library Act, (3) perception of politicians regarding public libraries as the centre of the democratic community and (4) the Library Acts critically impacting democratic librarianship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic pressure on public library budgets has risen since the late-20th century as government funding has declined. Under increasing financial pressure, creating a procedure for how public libraries can provide fulfilling services to residents is one of the essential issues in public library management. As a result, library districts are receiving much attention as a management model in response to financial deterioration of public sectors in the United States. Library districts are special-purpose local governments that have a tax levy and bond authority for library management. Recent studies have demonstrated that library districts' revenues are more stable over the long term than those of other legal bases, such as general-purpose local governments and non-profit organizations in the United States. However, it is not easy to form a library district because it involves a tax increase for residents. Nevertheless, the number of library districts has increased since the late-20th century. Why do voters allow a tax levy for library management? In this study, we examined the opinions of residents through a qualitative content analysis, using the voters' pamphlets distributed to residents at the time of the referendum for forming the library district. Specifically, we analyzed opinions of both voters in favor and opposed to creating a library district and identified their preferences. Our research results showed that residents held a common understanding of the significance of public libraries in the community. The debate revolved around how much burden the residents were willing to accept to provide library services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]