As bibliotecas públicas sergipanas e sua contribuição para o empoderamento da comunidade

Abstract

Contemporary society, characterized for its growing demand for knowledge and social leadership, requires public libraries that address their community claims and contribute to the full development of subjects. Considering that, this study has the general objective of learning the initiatives of public libraries in Sergipe to empower their local communities. The aim is, specifically, to analyze such actions in the light of David Lankes' ideas, as well as to compare the enterprises undertaken with the 2030-Agenda goals. This is an inquiry of basic nature that uses bibliographical research and a comparative method to achieve the proposed aims. It is classified as an exploratory and descriptive study, whose approach is qualitative. Moreover, it presents the semi-structured interview and the questionnaire as data collection instruments, in addition to utilizing Bardin’s content analysis to examine the data gathered. The results indicate that the State System of Public Libraries of Sergipe is developing some innovation and community empowerment initiatives with libraries, but further action is necessary. This investigation also emphasizes the need for continuous development and alternatives from public authorities to improve the conditions of public libraries in Sergipe. Additionally, it points out that the analyzed libraries are gradually fulfilling their role of contributing to community development by facilitating knowledge and supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, there is indication that most of these libraries are below the expected and require a more forceful action by the State System. Finally, the conclusions suggest that libraries in Sergipe must seek continuous development in order to increasingly contribute to the improvement of their communities.