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Librarians as Agents of Democracy

Librarians as Agents of Democracy
by Rachel More

This paper reflects on the transition and transformation of South Africa from apartheid to democracy in 1994. The aim of the paper is to challenge librarians in democratic countries to function as agents of democracy, with special reference to South Africa. "As agents of democracy, librarians uphold, strengthen and promote the democratic ideals of our society. This is possible because libraries are the only institutions that make knowledge, ideas and information freely available to citizens." The paper lists those characteristics or roles of librarians as agents of democracy. Librarians can assist in creating an informed nation, both by providing access to information and offering information literacy training, assisting citizens to identify and evaluate information essential to making decisions that affect the way they live, work and govern themselves.

Find out more at:
http://www.comminit.com/africa/materials/ma2005/materials-2374.html