The Role of Public Librarians in Disseminating Information for True Democracy

Abstract

Disseminating information should be the business of public librarians. In a democracy, public librarians are expected to play a leading role in acquiring, processing, interpreting, repackaging, and disseminating relevant, up-to-date, and timely information and knowledge resources both from within and beyond their localities. Public librarians should serve as catalysts for the effective dissemination of information to promote true democracy. They are expected to explore channels of communication for the practice of true democracy. An emphasis on democratic ideals raises awareness of democratic tenets among the populace and also facilitates the holding of free, fair, and peaceful elections. This article examines the concept of democratic governance, the link between democratic governance and information, public libraries, and what public librarians should do to ensure the promotion of democracy.

KEYWORDS:

• governance
• democracy
• democratic governance
• information and democracy
• information professionals
• public librarians
• information dissemination
• information institutions

Additional information

Notes on contributors

John Abdul Kargbo

John Abdul Kargbo is senior lecturer and director, Institute of Library, Information and Communication Studies, at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone.