Liberating the Library: Alternative Libraries and Counterpublics

Abstract

As the current state and future of libraries remains uncertain, scholars across the Library and Information Science (LIS) are emphasizing the need to examine the social, political, and economic conditions and implications of our climate in the context of libraries. Seeing as libraries are situated within, and often reflect, socio political landscapes, this study aims to examine how groups relegated to the margins, develop spaces to intentionally address the needs of underserved communities through unconventional strategies, programming, and materials through what I call, alternative libraries. Through a qualitative exploration of alternative libraries through four different case studies, this research aims to uncover the work and role of alternative libraries through the application of Warner (2002)’s theory on publics and counterpublics. Through interviews, observations, and document analysis, different themes emerged that pointed to the strategies alternative libraries employ to recognize and respond to community needs, empower community members, and navigate the political and economic terrain. From the findings, it was evident that the relationship and interactions between different publics, such as a dominant and counterpublic, demonstrated tensions with neutral frameworks and financial pressures. However, my study offers a deeper analysis into the ways in which these libraries engaged in practices that uplift counternarratives to restructure, reimagine, and reinterpret traditional library protocols, discourses, and dispositions