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Objectives: To analyse the Spanish public's perception of its libraries from a non-librarian’s point of view, in this case through the eyes of the Spanish press. Specifically, we examined the topics newspapers addressed most frequently in library-related news and considered how these topics changed in the period under question (2008–2012), especially after the beginning of the financial crisis. This was a comparative study, completed in conjunction with researchers in France, Italy and the UK. -- Methodology: The study was based on a systematic examination of the two national Spanish newspapers El País and El Mundo during the period 2008–2012, using a survey of the Factiva news database. First we identified the articles that were relevant to the study. Next, we performed a text and content analysis, codifying each article according to the following parameters: type of library being discussed, main topic, section of the newspaper in which the article appeared and, in articles on libraries outside Spain, the country to which the library belonged. -- Results: The analysis of the Spanish press offers mixed results about the current status of Spain's libraries. On the one hand, the general public considers library services to be important or even essential. On the other, libraries are facing the problems which are often described by library staff associations and there is a need for serious debate about the future of library services. Diachronic analysis indicated that after an initial period characterized by great interest in new libraries and investment in library infrastructures, the increasing pressure of the financial crisis changed public perception and moved the focus towards digital modes of knowledge and the possible role of libraries as an instrument to counteract the effects of the crisis. In general, the image of Spanish libraries presented by the press was markedly traditional and did little to alter common stereotypes about the nature of libraries and the work of librarians.

Objetivo: el artículo se propone analizar la percepción pública de las bibliotecas en España desde una perspectiva externa al ámbito profesional, es decir, a través de la prensa diaria. Nos hemos preguntado, en concreto, cuáles son los temas que más se tratan en los diarios en relación con las bibliotecas y si han cambiado durante el periodo que nos interesa (2008–2012), especialmente después de la aparición de la crisis económica. El análisis se ha realizado en un marco comparativo con otros países europeos (Italia, Francia y el Reino Unido). -- Metodología: el estudio se ha basado en un examen sistemático de dos diarios nacionales españoles, El País y El Mundo, del año 2008 al 2012, mediante una consulta de la base de datos FactivaTM. De entre los artículos que hemos obtenido, se han identificado los que eran pertinentes al estudio, y sobre estos se ha realizado un análisis del texto y del contenido, codificando cada artículo según los siguientes parámetros: tipo de biblioteca de la que se habla, tema principal, sección en la que se publicó el artículo y, en el caso de artículos que hablan de bibliotecas extranjeras, el país al que pertenecen. -- Resultados: la imagen general de las bibliotecas que se desprende del análisis de la prensa diaria española tiene luces y sombras, ya que si por un lado pone de relieve aspectos que el público general considera importantes e incluso imprescindibles, por otro nos confirma algunas de las preocupaciones existentes entre el colectivo de bibliotecarios y empuja a una reflexión más profunda en lo relativo a los caminos que deben recorrerse en el futuro. El análisis diacrónico de los artículos nos muestra que, tras una primera fase caracterizada por un gran interés por las nuevas bibliotecas y la atención a las inversiones que se las dedicaba, el peso cada vez mayor de la crisis económica cambió la percepción y llevó el enfoque hacia las perspectivas digitales del conocimiento y el posible papel de las bibliotecas como herramienta anticrisis. En general, la prensa diaria tiene tendencia a representar una idea de las bibliotecas bastante tradicional y los estereotipos sobre la naturaleza de las bibliotecas y el trabajo de los bibliotecarios parecen lejos de superarse. Objectives: To analyse the Spanish public's perception of its libraries from a non-librarian’s point of view, in this case through the eyes of the Spanish press. Specifically, we examined the topics newspapers addressed most frequently in library-related news and considered how these topics changed in the period under question (2008–2012), especially after the beginning of the financial crisis. This was a comparative study, completed in conjunction with researchers in France, Italy and the UK. -- Methodology: The study was based on a systematic examination of the two national Spanish newspapers El País and El Mundo during the period 2008–2012, using a survey of the Factiva news database. First we identified the articles that were relevant to the study. Next, we performed a text and content analysis, codifying each article according to the following parameters: type of library being discussed, main topic, section of the newspaper in which the article appeared and, in articles on libraries outside Spain, the country to which the library belonged. -- Results: The analysis of the Spanish press offers mixed results about the current status of Spain's libraries. On the one hand, the general public considers library services to be important or even essential. On the other, libraries are facing the problems which are often described by library staff associations and there is a need for serious debate about the future of library services. Diachronic analysis indicated that after an initial period characterized by great interest in new libraries and investment in library infrastructures, the increasing pressure of the financial crisis changed public perception and moved the focus towards digital modes of knowledge and the possible role of libraries as an instrument to counteract the effects of the crisis. In general, the image of Spanish libraries presented by the press was markedly traditional and did little to alter common stereotypes about the nature of libraries and the work of librarians.

Objectiu. Aquest assaig té com a objectiu analitzar si existeix un nexe entre el paper de les biblioteques públiques a la societat contemporània i l'aplicació del paradigma de la llarga cua al món físic. Concretament, l'article es pregunta com s'han de concebre les noves biblioteques públiques centrals de grans dimensions i com s'han de replantejar les biblioteques locals i de barri dins la xarxa bibliotecària urbana. -- Metodologia. Introducció i anàlisi del paradigma de la llarga cua a partir del llibre de Chris Anderson de 2006, per tal d'entendre quines conseqüències pot tenir en la utilització de les biblioteques i, per tant, en la manera de projectar-les. L'anàlisi es duu a terme mitjançant recursos teòrics i se sustenta, per a la reflexió, en els aspectes que han posat en relleu els casos de la Biblioteca Sala Borsa de Bolonya i els Idea Stores de Londres. -- Resultats. Com a conclusió, es pot dir que el paradigma de la llarga cua fa que l'oferta bibliotecària genèrica, caracteritzada per una possibilitat d'opció massa limitada, sigui poc atractiva. Per tant, les biblioteques públiques centrals han de poder disposar d'edificis grans i funcionals, fons variats i horaris amplis, una gamma extensa de serveis i activitats d'entreteniment educatiu (en anglès, edutainment) i una gran capacitat de desenvolupar un paper social i d'entreteniment, a més de l'estrictament cultural. D'altra banda, les biblioteques locals i de barri no poden sobreviure si no tenen unes dimensions mínimes determinades, llevat que apostin per temes, cultures o llengües pròpies de l'àrea de referència i complementàries respecte a l'oferta conjunta del territori, o bé s'orienten a aquells col·lectius que no tenen la possibilitat o la capacitat de desplaçar-se extensivament per la ciutat (gent gran, nens, minusvàlids, etc.). Dit d'una altra manera, les biblioteques públiques haurien de valorar el seu paper d'intermediàries amb altres serveis bibliogràfics especialitzats presents en el territori, i alhora plantejar altres oportunitats formatives, informatives, culturals i d'entreteniment, disponibles dins l'àrea metropolitana i fora.Objective. This paper analyses whether there is a link between the role of public libraries in contemporary society and the application of the long tail theory to the physical world. Specifically, it discusses how new large central public libraries should be conceived and how local libraries should be redefined within a city's library network. -- Method. The long tail theory from the book by Chris Anderson (2006) was introduced and analysed, to understand its potential impact on the use of libraries and thus on library planning. The analysis was carried out using theoretical resources. To promote reflection, it was supported by aspects highlighted in case studies of the Sala Borsa Library in Bologna and the Idea Stores in London. -- Results. To conclude, the long tail theory may mean that library offerings are not generally very appealing and are characterized by a range of options that is too limited. Therefore, central public libraries should be housed in large, functional buildings, have varied collections, long opening hours, an extensive range of services and edutainment activities, and a considerable capacity to play a role in social, leisure and purely cultural activities. -- Local libraries cannot survive unless they are a certain minimum size or focus on specific subjects, cultures or languages related to an area of reference. They should complement the total library offerings in the region or be aimed at groups that do not have the opportunity or ability to travel large distances within the city (senior citizens, children, people with disabilities, etc.). In other words, public libraries must assess their role as intermediaries with other specialized library services in the region, and offer other opportunities within and outside the metropolitan area in the fields of education, information, culture and entertainment.

Objetivo. Este ensayo tiene como objetivo analizar si existe un nexo entre el papel de las bibliotecas públicas en la sociedad contemporánea y la aplicación del paradigma de la larga cola al mundo físico. Concretamente, el artículo se pregunta cómo se tienen que concebir las nuevas bibliotecas públicas centrales de grandes dimensiones y cómo se tienen que replantear las bibliotecas locales y de barrio dentro de la red bibliotecaria urbana. -- Metodología. Introducción y análisis del paradigma de la larga cola a partir del libro de Chris Anderson de 2006, para entender qué consecuencias puede tener en la utilización de las bibliotecas y, por lo tanto, en la manera de proyectarlas. El análisis se lleva a cabo mediante recursos teóricos y se sustenta, para la reflexión, en los aspectos que han puesto de relieve los casos de la Biblioteca Sala Borsa de Bolonia y los Idea Stores de Londres. -- Resultats. Como conclusión, se puede decir que el paradigma de la larga cola hace que la oferta bibliotecaria genérica, caracterizada por una posibilidad de opción demasiado limitada, sea poco atractiva. Por lo tanto, las bibliotecas públicas centrales tienen que poder disponer de edificios grandes y funcionales, fondos variados y horarios amplios, una gama extensa de servicios y actividades de entretenimiento educativo (en inglés, edutainment) y una gran capacidad de desarrollar un papel social y de entretenimiento, además del estrictamente cultural. Por otro lado, las bibliotecas locales y de barrio no pueden sobrevivir si no tienen unas dimensiones mínimas determinadas, salvo que apuesten por temas, culturas o lenguas propias del área de referencia y complementarias respecto a la oferta conjunta del territorio, o bien se orientan a aquellos colectivos que no tienen la posibilidad o la capacidad de desplazarse de forma extensiva por la ciudad (gente mayor, niños, minusválidos, etc.). Dicho de otra manera, las bibliotecas públicas tendrían que valorar su papel de intermediarias con otros servicios bibliográficos especializados presentes en el territorio, y a la vez plantear otras oportunidades formativas, informativas, culturales y de entretenimiento, disponibles dentro del área metropolitana y fuera.Objective. This paper analyses whether there is a link between the role of public libraries in contemporary society and the application of the long tail theory to the physical world. Specifically, it discusses how new large central public libraries should be conceived and how local libraries should be redefined within a city's library network. -- Method. The long tail theory from the book by Chris Anderson (2006) was introduced and analysed, to understand its potential impact on the use of libraries and thus on library planning. The analysis was carried out using theoretical resources. To promote reflection, it was supported by aspects highlighted in case studies of the Sala Borsa Library in Bologna and the Idea Stores in London. -- Results. To conclude, the long tail theory may mean that library offerings are not generally very appealing and are characterized by a range of options that is too limited. Therefore, central public libraries should be housed in large, functional buildings, have varied collections, long opening hours, an extensive range of services and edutainment activities, and a considerable capacity to play a role in social, leisure and purely cultural activities. Local libraries cannot survive unless they are a certain minimum size or focus on specific subjects, cultures or languages related to an area of reference. They should complement the total library offerings in the region or be aimed at groups that do not have the opportunity or ability to travel large distances within the city (senior citizens, children, people with disabilities, etc.). In other words, public libraries must assess their role as intermediaries with other specialized library services in the region, and offer other opportunities within and outside the metropolitan area in the fields of education, information, culture and entertainment.

In February 2020 a new book was published in the Saggi tascabili Laterza editorial series, titled La cultura orizzontale, written by Giovanni Solimine and Giorgio Zanchini. It aims at analysing the changes occurred and occurring in cultural activities after the digital revolution and the advent of the so-called onlife condition. In particular, the authors have observed these phenomena from the point of view of the net generation. If, on the one hand, the book publishing had a very bad timing – just before the worsening of the pandemic and the Italy lockdown – on the other hand the timing was perfect, as a new scenario, which could not be even imagined some days before, suddenly put to test whatever is described in the book. The transition to ‘horizontal culture’ has speeded up in a way that in a situation of normality would have needed years of attempts and experiments. The essay analyses the book contents in light of what has happened in the last months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years the public library has been the subject of a wide debate all over the Western world, not only in the library community, but also in the public opinion. The economic crisis and the technological revolution have raised new questions about the identity of the public library and have made librarians uncertain about their future. The article wonders if public libraries are really going through an unprecedented crisis, or if this is a typical phase of a cyclical process. In order to give an answer to this question, the essay retraces the history of ideological building and search for legitimacy by the American public libraries from the '40s to the '00s, pointing out the characteristics of these libraries that weaken their identity and public perception in some historical and economic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years the public library has been the subject of a wide debate all over the Western world, not only in the library community, but also in the public opinion. The economic crisis and the technological revolution have raised new questions about the identity of the public library and have made librarians uncertain about their future. The article wonders if public libraries are really going through an unprecedented crisis, or if this is a typical phase of a cyclical process. In order to give an answer to this question, the essay retraces the history of ideological building and search for legitimacy by the American public libraries from the '40s to the 2000s, pointing out the characteristics of these libraries that weaken their identity and public perception in some historical and economic phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Narrative turn' is the phrase used to refer to the success that narrative approach has been having in humanities since the Nineties. Our field is not foreign to this phenomenon: during these last years a narrative approach to the library is emerging, based upon myths built around shared, motivating and positive messages and undisputable values. Starting from this evidence, the article deals with the narrative turn in Italian librarianship: 1) from the historical point of view: since the Forties of the twentieth century, in the United States, the ideology supporting the public libraries' central role of in society was studied under the name of 'library faith'; 2) from the methodological point of view in all its different aspects: the one using storytelling as a means of advocacy; the other using stories as a knowledge production tool. The last part of the essay introduces the automatic text analysis as a method our field could use to better understand 'library phenomenon' and build up stories that are more coherent and tied to facts and data. Six experts have been involved in a debate about the specificity of this method, described as part of a wider discussion about social librarianship's analytical tools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers a critical analysis of John Palfrey's Bibliotech: why libraries matter more than ever in the age of Google (New York: Basic Books, 2015),recently translated by Elena Corradini and published in Italy by Editrice Bibliografica. The first partillustrates Palfrey's book aims, addressees and content organization. The second part critically discusses the paramount theme of the relationship between public and private sphere when it comes to access, organisation and preservation of knowledge. The book sheds light in unconventional ways on each key player's responsibility, and effectively pleads for the need to safeguard a ‘public option' in the information and knowledge field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from the publication of an anthology of Virginia Carini Dainotti's writings (Roma: Bibliosofica editrice, 2014), this article offers a reinterpretation of the author's thought with particular respect to the current debate concerning the future of public libraries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The paper presents the first results of a research which aims at evaluating how the public perception about libraries has evolved over the last five years in Europe. It quantifies and qualifies the presence of issues concerning libraries in the European press in order to answer the following research questions: which are the most discussed topics and have they changed over the last years? Are there any significant differences between the European countries and newspapers in the debate about libraries? The research is based upon a comparative textual analysis of eight print newspapers of national interest coming from four different European countries (UK, Italy, France and Spain) and concerns the quantity and quality of articles on libraries published from 2008 to 2012. The data analysis highlights the following main trends: public and national libraries are prevalent in the debate; a general agreement is found on the most popular topics; no relevant connection can be traced between the political areas the newspapers belong to and the topics dealt with; a deeper analysis of the national context is required to better interpret the differences among the newspapers; the effect of the economic crisis on the evolution of the debate is evident both in the presence/absence and in the rise/decline of some topics. As for now, the research proves to be effective not only to highlight different topics and approaches, but also to understand how newspapers relate with the common thoughts and the general feelings autonomously emerging from in the society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses the Survey of Italian public libraries' preliminary report (July 2013). The survey was promoted by the Italian Centre for Book and Reading (Centro per il libro e la lettura) and by the Italian Library Association, and was carried out together with the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) and the National Association of Italian Municipalities (ANCI). The author takes into consideration the methodological choices as well as the report's results, in order to bring out a realistic portrait of Italian public libraries and to reflect on their future perspectives given the current international economic situation and the public policies' traditional rigidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article intends to critically discuss the opinions expressed by Steve Coffman in The decline and fall of the library empire, published in the April 2012 issue of the online magazine <>. Coffman's paper examines the numerous attempts libraries have undertaken to assume a role in the digital revolution which has completely changed the information and knowledge environment: web directories, Library 2.0, virtual reference, intermediate searching, Internet public access and ebooks. Coffman concludes that libraries, which were the starters of many ideas now in place to access knowledge on the Web, cannot compete with private companies - richer in resources and organisational skills - in managing and implementing the digital library. Consequently, the author wonders if libraries shouldn't rather bet on their physical assets: collections, buildings and people, as this offer has no comparable service on the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Atlas of New Librarianship is more about librarians than about libraries. According to Lankes communities are the veritable collections that librarians must develop and preserve over time, and librarians should embrace a worldview focused on people rather than on artifacts. Lankes' work is both stimulating and controversial, sometimes persuasive, sometimes defective and contradictory, but surely should be taken into serious consideration by Italian academic and professional community -- because «not choosing to take part into the conversation about the future of librarianship you abdicate the chance to shape that future». [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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