Beyond Article 19

the long version

Beyond Article 19: Libraries and Social and Cultural Rights addresses the subject of libraries and cultural rights, a topic that has received relatively little attention in the past, but which librarians and others concerned with human rights are beginning to recognize and talk about. Librarians have long been concerned with individual rights and have worked tirelessly – indeed making it a basic tenet of the profession – to protect and preserve those rights. Little has been written about the role that libraries can play in protecting and promoting group rights, specifically cultural rights. This book will examine this shortfall by exploring the relationship between libraries, cultural rights, and community life and identity. Taking both a theoretical and practical approach to the issue, this book will argue that libraries play a significant role in protecting, promoting, and even symbolizing not only the rights of the individual, but also the rights of the community. This collection of essays will clarify these issues, underscore their importance and significance, and lay the groundwork for further inquiry.