Los edificios de las bibliotecas públicas en los programas electorales (Castilla-la Mancha, 2007-2015)

Abstract

This paper presents an analysis of proposals about library building and facilities identified in the electoral programs published by the Political Parties competing in regional elections during the economic crisis in Castilla-La Mancha. The objective was to evaluate how these proposals reflect social and political interest in public libraries. Despite the digital dematerialization of library services in nowadays hybrid environment, the projection of the public library as a service to society requires a physical presentiality that supports its current role as an agora, a place for socio-intellectual exchange and training for its community. This should be translated into a social interest in library spaces that can be tested through its presence in the electoral programs, which reflect the issues that shape the political agenda. The work concludes a trend that prioritizes the reform and continuity of the libraries rather than projects for new libraries. It is also found that the programs have a very traditional view of on-site services.