Bibliotheken: Die fünfte Gewalt im Staat?

The article begins with the formulation that libraries are a fifth branch of government which emerged in the debate about a national library strategy in Sweden and examines its genesis. It notes that in the ensuing discussion this activist stance is abandoned, and libraries are once again described as passive neoliberal treasure chests. The formulation of the Fifth State Power emerged from the observation of a general crisis of democracy which is why it is examined more closely under the influence of new democratic theory. Montesquieu's concept of the separation of powers is discussed, and the popular concept of the Fourth Estate is analysed in more detail. Both provide distinctions that help to reposition library practice. Finally, four aspects are presented that can be related to the impetus of the Swedish position, suggesting that libraries should actively respond to societal changes. However, libraries do not emerge from this analysis as an independent force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]