Between technique and reflection: a study of the role of public libraries based on critical theory

Abstract

Introduction: Public libraries are spaces of emancipation through the exchanges, sharing, and practices that connect and transform citizens and consequently the society in which they live. Thus, the research question is: are librarians prepared and to promote actions that contribute to the education of autonomous and critical beings? Do they aim at that?
Aim: To establish the interrelationship between the role of the public library, the subjective (technical) reason, and the objective (emancipatory) reason using Critical Theory, and especially the philosophers Adorno and Horkheimer. After discussing the fundamental elements of Critical Theory, the role of the librarian in the emancipatory process of users, highlighting the social dimension of public libraries as makerspaces, we present the results of a questionnaire answered by two public library coordinators. Methodology: We applied a "Content Analysis" and more specifically the technique "Categorical Analysis", whose categories were established a posteriori.
Results: We found that in addition to the technical dimension that the public library presents, inherent to its operation, there are other aspects that require greater reflection, since the librarian also has the function of information mediator and educator in a broad sense, guiding the access to information, search, and the willingness of users to learn.
Conclusion: This emancipatory process, based on the contribution of Critical Theory, permeates the reflections, awareness, and independence. Organizing the spaces of public libraries in order to foster the desire to learn, facilitating the access and search for information, is an important step in the promotion of autonomy.