Libraries and social capital

Discusses the concept of social capital in relation to libraries. Explains the principles of social capital, emphasizing the importance of social relationships between members of a community, and outlines its characteristics and outcomes. Communities high in social capital are characterized by citizenship, neighbourliness, trust and shared values, community involvement, volunteering, social networks and civic participation which can lead to lower crime rates, better health, better educational achievement, better child welfare, more effective government and higher economic achievement. Libraries can contribute to the building of social capital by promoting the types of interaction and integration which enable social networking and by providing citizenship information resources. There are challenges, though, which libraries need to address if they are to fulfil their potential in this key policy area.