Description: This book lays out the purpose of libraries and, building upon that: creates a discursive practice within which conversations about essential political issues; details how the analysis of discourse can enable the conversations; sets forth a philosophical framework for the lib...
Review Quotes:
"Here, Budd emphasizes the importance of the library as a venue for civil discussion--as a necessary space for public deliberation that promotes more generative dialogue than social media can. This book may appeal to professionals with backgrounds in ethics, communication, and philosophy.... Recommended. Professionals and practitioners." --Choice Reviews
"Anyone wanting to turn libraries into an 'information commons, ' where communities can engage in civil debates about the major issues of our time, has to read this book.In it John Budd brilliantly discusses the philosophical foundations essential to understand before undertaking the effort." --Wayne A. Wiegand, F. William Summers Professor of Library and Information Studies Emeritus, Florida State University "Professor Budd draws on his wide-ranging academic reading to prepare us and our libraries for reason and the rational sharing of ideas. With the rise of authoritarian regimes worldwide, a host of grave challenges, and divisive social media, we need it." --Michael K. Buckland, emeritus professor, School of Information, University of California, Berkeley