Libraly Journal

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Ups and Downs of American Public Libraries in the 21st Century: A Historical Overview

Yoshitaka, Kawasaki   

  • Online:2015-09-15 Published:2015-09-25

Abstract:

For a long time, library services, freedom of access to information and confidentiality of library records constituted the basic value of public libraries. However, the environment public libraries face has changed enormously in the 21st century and libraries have entered the new era of development. This paper presents a historical overview of fluctuation and development of library services, the freedom of access to information and the confidentiality of library records in the United States since the 19th century.

Key words: American public library, American Library Association, Library history, Library service