The Political Economy of Public Libraries: The Alaminos City Public Library in Pangasinan

Abstract

Statement of the Problem. This paper aims to determine how the political economy (i.e., the interaction of political, economic, and social structures in a polity) of public libraries affects the development and operations of a public library in a society. In this study, the Alaminos City Public Library (ACPL) in Pangasinan was used as a case study due to its performance in providing literacy services to the Alaminian community over the years. The ACPL's ability to garner several accolades due to its services proves its success as a public information hub and local community center. It used the proposed theory of political economy for public libraries based on the social totality aspect from the theory of political economy of communication by Mosco (2009), where the political, economic, and social aspects of a public library's development were examined.

Methods. The study was conducted with a literature review, which also became the basis for selecting the ACPL, as it has won accolades in serving its user community. Online, semi-structured key-informant interviews were also conducted with the Library Director, Library staff, and a Former Vice Mayor, as the Office of the Vice Mayor had the Library under its supervision. Thematic analysis was used to organize the information gleaned from the literature review and the responses of the key informants.

Results. The study results revealed that the political economy of public libraries significantly impacts the development of a public library. It has shown that national and local policies (e.g., Republic Acts, ordinances), institutions, the economy, partnerships between the local government unit, businesses, the library, and social support are crucial ingredients to ensure that any public library's operations will be good. It has also been found that library programs may win accolades and inspire the LGU to support them more as they bring honor to the city/ municipality.

Originality. The paper is a contribution to the dearth of literature on how national and local policies may impact public libraries, especially in a Philippine setting.