Confronting the Democratic Discourse of Librarianship: A Marxist Approach questions widespread professional and public ideas regarding the status and role of libraries as institutions essential to democracy. Through a historical examination of libraries and capitalism, this book rejects the assumption that libraries are liberal institutions and challenges readers to critically reflect on the gendered and racialized history of libraries, the core values of librarianship, and the development and evolution of library theory. During a year characterized by crises and conflicts on a global scale and ardent attention to social change, this book could not be timelier. Through a discussion of the abstractions and rhetoric regarding neutrality, diversity, and inclusion in librarianship, this book acknowledges important work done in LIS scholarship to date but emphasizes the need for increased LIS research and theory that contributes to and informs practice and policy within our institutions.
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