Library and Information Sciences and Social Justice

Abstract

Realization of the principle of social justice in contemporary society becomes the subject of a deep theoretical consideration within the framework of library and information sciences. The purpose of the article is to analyze the concept of social justice in library and information sciences. The author has used dialectical ideas on the relationship between the development of theory and practice, systematic approach to the study of social objects, interpretative research paradigm, along with integrative anthropological approach. Descriptive and transdisciplinary methods allowed to synthesize findings obtained during research in various fields of knowledge. The fight against social exclusion and implementation of the principle of social justice in conditions of the growing gap between rich and poor is urgent need for modern libraries. For successful integration into the society of the future, public libraries should be transformed into peculiar intercultural clubs, platforms for free communication and exchange of ideas and become the cultural centers of their communities. Libraries of the 21st century are turning into serious players in the field of globalization being “embedded” in broader socio-political, economic, and cultural contexts. The scientific novelty of the article lies in analysis of the concept of social justice in library and information sciences, as well as in substantiation of feasibility of social justice in today’s conditions. The provisions and conclusions drawn in the article can be used for innovative strategies for the development of libraries.