Abstract

The public library of the 21st century is conceived of as a social center from and for the community, focused on the planning and development of educational intervention programs related to literacy, participation, and social integration. The library staff should promote actions aimed at reducing social inequalities, favoring access of all citizens to culture, information, and education; with particular care for those who are most vulnerable. The complexity of the situation calls for the inclusion of librarians and specialists trained in socio-educational processes and practices and with special emphasis on intervention with special needs groups.

Abstract

With the development of information and communication technologies, particularly with regards to the Internet, the needs of the public and the ways in which they can access information have changed. The Web is changing the role of traditional libraries and that of librarians, and we see how the future of libraries is questioned more and more every day. In this paper, we discuss the need to redefine public library services and to understand libraries as social centres rather than cultural ones. Public libraries must strive to become meeting points for learning and social inclusion. In order to accomplish this, it is necessary to assume new work profiles and to shape and redefine the workforce of librarians. Only in this way will the public library be able to have social impact and validity as a relevant service in current society.