Contribution of public libraries to open government from information literacy in Latin America

Abstract

Currently, public libraries are not only based on the provision of traditional services. The recognition of public libraries is already oriented also to its social function and its ability to generate skills and competencies in citizens through information literacy to enhance citizen participation. In this sense, the contribution of public libraries to open government from information literacy specifically in Iberoamerica is analyzed. To do this, through documentary analysis and qualitative content analysis, as research methods, a sample of ten public libraries selected from a group of iberoamerican libraries is studied. The study reveals a set of good practices present in its services, strategies and/or information literacy programs related to open government plans and initiatives. In this regard, public libraries carry out information literacy activities dedicated to the training of users, as well as guarantee access to information and enhance spaces for debate and exchange, in order to create more participatory and aware citizens with the information that  they use and that subsequently  influence the decision making of public affairs.