Neutrality versus Proactivity in Libraries During Turbulent Times

Neutrality versus Proactivity in Libraries During Turbulent Times

As it is known, the principle of neutrality had a certain role in development of librarianship. The democratization of the library profession at the beginning of the last century was linked to the principle of neutrality as a guarantor for equal access to all library users. By changing social conditions the question of neutrality has become a subject of great re-examination. Human rights, right to information and need for social inclusion have become the bases of modern social movements in achieving social justice. This new reality becomes a part of the library profession in which librarians play a new role, proactively involved in the life of their community. New dimensions of librarianship are no longer limited to professional responsibility in relation to the library users but also there is responsibility for development of the entire community. Related to that we need to consider the existing role of law librarians in relation to the importance of legal information and their impact on our daily life. Inclusion of IFLA in the implementation of UN Agenda 2030 and achievement of sustainable development goals definitely change the relationship between librarians and the community. To achieve sustainable development goals neutrality as a principle is not enough, an active approach is needed. We can say that neutrality is in collision with some new tasks of our profession.