Abstract It is common in the literature to see libraries characterized as public sphere institutions, but the exact processes by which libraries support and engage in the public sphere remain under-explored. Based on a systematic review of the research literature on libraries as public sphere institutions, this study maps the questions, methods, theories, and findings of those scholars and librarians who have examined this topic. This research finds that discussions of libraries as public sphere institutions orient around five themes: Community, management and funding, institutional structures and practices, new tools and services, and knowledge organization. Compared to existing research, more focused and stringent research designs are necessary to enhance the understanding of libraries as public sphere institutions. A focused research program can create theoretical and actionable knowledge for knowledge-based policies, strategies, and activities at the international, federal, state, and community levels.

中文翻译：

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将图书馆视为公共领域机构：映射问题、方法、理论、发现和研究差距

摘要 在文献中经常将图书馆视为公共领域机构，但图书馆支持和参与公共领域的确切过程仍未得到充分探索。基于对图书馆作为公共领域机构的研究文献的系统回顾，本研究绘制了研究该主题的学者和图书馆员的问题、方法、理论和发现。本研究发现，将图书馆作为公共领域机构的讨论围绕五个主题：社区、管理和资金、机构结构和实践、新工具和服务以及知识组织。与现有研究相比，需要更专注和更严格的研究设计，以增强对图书馆作为公共领域机构的理解。