Building Social Capital in Contemporary Major U.S. Public Libraries

Abstract

As the US is a highly ethnically diverse country and the origin of public libraries, this chapter explores how US public libraries construct social capital for the public via various services and activities. This chapter selected nine cases of US public libraries with interviews of their management for analysis of library services and activities related to empowering library users and building their social capital. The findings indicate that libraries are community meeting places connecting community members through library programs, activities, and information services as community educational institutions that empower underprivileged people and new immigrants by satisfying their information needs. The process contributes to the social development of library users and their communities, building social capital. Scant studies summarize the good practice of renowned public libraries in building social capital. This chapter contributes to understanding the good practice of US public libraries as a creator of social capital, serving as a reference for public libraries worldwide.