Cultural policies mixing commonality and difference? The case of public libraries in French cities

ABSTRACT

Libraries are a core element of local cultural policies. In a country historically marked by national integration policies aiming at cultural homogeneity, what is the relationship of local public libraries to the socio-cultural diversity of populations? The results of qualitative studies conducted in three major cities (Bordeaux, Rennes and Nantes) display a growing awareness of more diverse users and adaptations to their demands. Librarians, at the same time, do not give up the universalist ideals central to the history of their institutions and their current activities. Despite differences between cities, the case of public libraries illustrates the possibility to combine universalism and diversity in the policies implemented in France, here in the cultural field. My study demonstrates how local institutions can use their room for manoevre and combine elements of the republican ideal and adjustments to a diverse social reality.

KEYWORDS:

• Libraries
• cultural policies
• cities
• France
• commonality
• diversity

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1 Immigrant background here refers to foreign birth (« immigré »), according to INSEE (National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies) classification.