Advocacy for democracy - the role of the library associations

Belfrage, Joneta

IFLA Council and General Conference / .
(ReLIS:jul:juljin:6703)

Abstract:

For some years now there has been an ongoing discussion in Sweden about the crisis in our democracy. Interest and the participation in political matters and political parties have declined drastically, which makes democracy weaker. In 1997, the Swedish Government set up an official commission to discuss and report on the challenges, problems and potential for democracy in the twenty-first century. The report, which was delivered in February this year, shows that people no longer join the popular movements, that young people are not interested in clubs and associations and that the confidence in different democratic institutions has declined. The discussion that has followed this report has shown that there are different opinions as to what kind of democracy is needed. Some consider it to be sufficient if the citizens vote every fourth year and then leave the rest to the elected representatives. Others find that what the citizens do and say between elections is essential to a living and smoothly functioning democracy. And it is the last aspect that the authors of the report believe we should fight for. It is obvious that what has been the core of democracy: discussion, dialogue and open meetings has disappeared. The Freedom of speech is a cornerstone of democracy.

Creation: 2000
Keywords: Democracia ; Política ; Bibliotecas ; Suecia ; Asociaciones profesionales

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