Why Do Libraries Matter?

Abstract

Timothy Snyder, in his latest work titled On Tyranny, states that we must both "defend institutions," and "believe in the truth." Libraries are a critical American institution in dire need of defense, but one that shares the mission of promoting truth through access to information and a deep historical memory. Libraries, like other point-of-need community institutions are, however, under threat. This is not the first time, nor will it be the last, but in this current moment, we in the information field are seeking partners to help combat the growing disdain for and increasingly privileged access to accurate and trusted information.