by John Buschman (Author)

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, exploring the circumstances in which librarians and libraries operate and linking the profession back to democratic and public purposes as the core essence of the field.

Author Biography

JOHN E. BUSCHMAN is Department Chair, Collection Development Librarian, and Professor-Librarian, Rider University Library, Lawrenceville, New Jersey. He is the 2004 recipient of ALA's Elizabeth Futas Catalyst for Change Award. His previous book, Critical Approaches to Information Technology in Librarianship, was published by Greenwood Press. He has published many articles and is co-editor of the journal Progressive Librarian and on the Coordinating Comittee of the Progressive Librarians Guild. Prior to his current administrative appointment, he served on the National Council of the American Association of University Professors.

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