Decolonising the Public Library

Decolonising the Public Library describes the main practical, methodological and theoretical approaches to decolonising public libraries. Using case studies and best practice from Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, the book provides a thorough understanding of the impact and legacy of imperialism, colonialism and neo-colonialism on the structure of the public library. Through a discussion of the history and role of the public library as an agent of colonialism, this book explores how this paradigm can be reversed through decolonization, setting out anti-racism and decolonisation strategies that can be practically applied to public libraries. Chapters cover:history and theory of racism, settler colonialism and decolonisationwhat decolonisation means and how it can be applied to public librariesthe impact and outcomes of decolonisation, and how these can be measuredhow to respond to the opposition to decolonisationpractical tips and actions to implement decolonisation in the library. This practical guide is an essential read for librarians looking to learn more about how to decolonise their collection and library as a space.

• Publication date: 27 August 2026
• Page count: 256
• Dimensions: Height 238 mm; Width 159 mm; Thickness 17 mm
• Publisher: Facet Publishing
• Format: Hardback
• ISBN-13: 9781783307692