Dismantling the public sphere
Subtitle: situating and sustaining librarianship in the age of the new public philosophy
By: John E. Buschman.
Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
Published: 2003
Place of publication: Westport, Conn
Language: eng
Number of pages: 218
Subjects: Libraries and society.; Library science -- Philosophy.; Public interest.
Description: "This work presents a thorough examination of librarianship and the social and economic contexts in which the profession and its institutions operate. As a basis of analysis, Buschman employs critical education scholarship and the research of German philosopher Jurgen Habermas, whose seminal work on the public sphere - the arena in which the public organizes itself and formulates public opinion - serves as a meta-framework for Buschman's study of librarianship. Buschman asserts that a significant shift has occurred from the library as a contributor to the public good to a model where economic rationality directs policy. He challenges much of the current thinking and assumptions guiding libraries."--Jacket.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. [187]-212) and index.