Libraries from the perspective of local development

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to analyze the theoretical approaches of local development and describe the incidence of libraries in each dimension of this process. To that end, several concepts of local development from the sociological, economic and economic-environmental perspective are revised. In addition, the evolution of the concept of public library is described from its origin until 2001. On the basis of the local development assumptions, its dimensions and the review of previous studies on the subject, its ties with public libraries are identified. It is concluded that this type of libraries can influence the social, cultural, political, economic,
environmental and technological dimensions of the development process of a locality and propose there is a need to carry out comprehensive studies that allow to know and determine the contribution of libraries to local development.