Libraries, crisis and citizens participation

Abstract

‘Save the libraries’: how many times have we heard/read this? But what's exactly worth saving? What justifies – today – the very existence of libraries? French public libraries' answer to this question is: their mission for citizens emancipation and empowerment.
The paper analyzes the different definitions and meanings of the word ‘crisis’, then lists which services can be implemented by public libraries in response to the current economic, social and political crisis. Finally, it presents the first results of a survey (still underway) on citizens participation in the libraries of the Rhône-Alpes area.
In conclusion, in order to respond to the crisis libraries must increase the access to information for everyone, implement new services to support individuals (for example in job search or professional re-qualification), and – last but not least – foster citizens participation in order to transform the library in a space where people can experiment – better: can contribute in creating – a different society.