Democracy, freedom and public libraries: four types of freedom

Purpose Freedom can be associated with public libraries in many ways: they are free of charge, provide free access to information and allow users the freedom to engage with them as they wish. However, in a theoretical context, freedom is primarily understood as a democratic right closely tied to intellectual freedom. Moreover, freedom is a contested concept, subject to multiple interpretations that may at times conflict. This paper seeks to offer a broader and more theoretical understanding of freedom and to relate different notions of freedom to the practices and roles of public libraries in democratic societies. Design/methodology/approach This paper bridges different notions of freedom from philosophy and political science with public library practices and discussions in Library and Information Science (LIS). The analysis begins with a description and discussion of the concept of freedom, highlighting four distinct understandings. These are then connected to public libraries. The approach is primarily theoretical, supported by examples from Western public libraries to illustrate the different forms of freedom. Findings The paper identifies four distinct types of freedom associated with libraries. First, intellectual freedom, described as a subcategory of negative freedom rooted in modern rights. Second, positive freedom, where libraries empower individuals to become “one's own master.” Third, neoliberal freedom, where libraries operate within a market-driven framework. Fourth, political freedom, where libraries serve as platforms for participatory democracy, enabling citizens to take part in the management and development of their local libraries. Originality/value This paper provides insights into various perspectives on freedom within the context of public libraries. Freedom is not only a fundamental value of democracy but also serves as a lens for exploring the diverse, and sometimes conflicting, ways in which public libraries can support democratic ideals.