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The purpose of this paper is to question whether, in an increasingly commercialised “24/7” information and entertainment society, public libraries are finding it progressively more difficult to provide access to trusted, impartial public spaces free from commercial influence.

The paper reflects on the secondary literature related to public library as an impartial space, considers the modern commercial factors impacting on this role, and provides a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis examining whether the role as impartial space is under threat.

The paper addresses whether public libraries should conform to a more commercial model in order to survive in a predominantly consumer society or retain their values and continue to provide “... alternatives and alternative spaces in a culture dominated by information capitalism and media image and spectacle”. Concerns are expressed regarding the influence of commercialism in public library services, especially around the marketing of specific brands within a public library environment.

The paper focuses on public libraries in “real world” and “virtual” communities and addresses pertinent issues related to their place in twenty‐first century society.

The paper considers the important issue of the impartiality of the public space occupied by the library and whether this role is in danger due to commercial influences. As such it offers value for theorists and practitioners involved in library and information science, as well as those interested in public services and the impact of consumerism.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the role public libraries play in times of economic crisis and to highlight the potential impact of recession on the future development of public library services.

The article focuses on preliminary statistics and anecdotal evidence from library communities in the UK and the USA.

Early evidence suggests that public library usage rises as the economy declines. Public library authorities in the UK and USA have reported huge increases in visitor numbers, shifts in societal expectations, and demands for specific “job related” resources and services. Although public libraries have emerged as vital services in times of recession it is perceived that they will be subject to ongoing review over the next few years as governments and local councils attempt to cut public spending.

At the time of writing very little official research had been conducted to investigate the impact of this latest recession on public library usage. Therefore, the findings are based on early statistical and anecdotal evidence, available via websites, forums and blogs.

This article presents a case for public libraries as essential services with the potential to empower, educate, transform and inspire individuals and communities in times of crisis. It should be of interest to those working in public libraries and those documenting their impact.

This article represents an attempt to document the role of public libraries in the early stages of a major global recession. It highlights that although the latest economic downturn has created many opportunities for public libraries there is an urgent need to address the great many risks that public libraries will inevitably face as a result of this recession.

The current financial and political climate means that libraries are more accountable to their stakeholders and are under increasing pressure to justify their place and value in an ever‐changing information society. The purpose of this report is to discuss how one local library and information service has adapted to changes in cultural demands and user expectations to deliver a concept that communicates its social value to all of its stakeholders.

The report combines quantitative and qualitative research techniques to determine the outputs and outcomes of the project and to assess if key objectives have been achieved.

The results of this evaluation confirm that the Look at Libraries Festival has been embraced by event attendees, staff, participants and the community. The research also illustrates that the demands and expectations of two communities can vary dramatically, posing the question: is it right to judge libraries so heavily on their outputs? The emerging impact of the festival also supports the argument that the local library service can support its parent body to achieve overall community objectives.

The research was conducted during a four week academic placement period within East Renfrewshire Council Library and Information Service. The depth of the research has been challenged by limitations associated with time and resources. Therefore, the findings must be viewed as preliminary and suggestive rather than exhaustive.

The case study reveals an innovative approach by a public library and information service to challenge perceptions, communicate changes in service provision, market public libraries, attract new members and establish an effective brand extension for the service.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the relevance of the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act in light of recent announced public library closures in England and the subsequent investigation by the Secretary of State for Culture into proposed closures in Wirral libraries. The paper asks whether the Act is fit for purpose or merely confuses the status of public libraries in a legal sense. It provides a discussion of the limitations of the Act, some background to recent public library closure controversies, and the powers central government have to intervene locally.

Provides a reflective viewpoint.

The paper finds that a new Act may be necessary to further define how public libraries should provide services and what a basic level of provision is defined as.

Reflects on the current statutory provision and should be of interest to those working in public libraries or those researching the area.

Provides a reflective analysis of a current issue of importance in UK public libraries.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the general reasons for the crisis in Italy ' s contemporary public library institution. This crisis is complicated by the historical origins of the public library in Italy and, more broadly, by the difficult relationship between the Italian culture and today ' s world.

A conceptual discussion on the role of public library in Italy.

The paper finds that the continuing delay in the acquisition of literacy, the tendency for points of view to become divided and to go to extremes and the development of a form of politics in the country suspended between centralised government and the claims of the local self-governments are all factors that have influenced the establishment of the public library in Italy.

Understanding the conditions of the controversial origins of the public library in Italy can be of help when deciding which model to use in the future. A suitable model for this institution must not neglect but, on the contrary, must enhance the role of the library as a social institution of the history of a specific community.