Ursula Gorham

TL;DR: The authors explored the interrelationships between the public library goals of supporting democracy and remaining an apolitical institution and the expectations for demonstration of value and economic contribution at a time in which public discourse emphasizes austerity from public institutions.

TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that public libraries are heavily affected by political and policy-making processes that shape the funding, activities, and roles of libraries in society, with the explosion of information policy decisions in the past two decades significantly increasing the responsibilities of libraries while also increasing limitations on their activities.

TL;DR: The authors explored the historical relationships between libraries, policy, and politics in the United States and posited that these relationships have passed through four distinct phases, including neglect, direct intervention, neglect, and direct intervention.

TL;DR: Drawing upon findings made through an extensive literature review, site visits at a number of public libraries across the country, and interviews with state library staff, government officials, and community organization leaders, this paper highlights the e-government service roles of public library, the innovative partnerships between community groups, government agencies, and public libraries in the realm of e-Government.