Exploring Multicultural and Indigenous Libraries: A Review of Relevant Studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26512/rici.v19.n2.2026.61558Keywords:
Multicultural Libraries, Indigenous Libraries, Information Behavior, Cultural Preservation, User studiesAbstract
This article presents part of the findings of doctoral research that investigated the information behavior of Indigenous peoples, with one of its objectives being the identification of libraries engaged in serving and preserving the cultural heritage of these communities. The analysis brings together experiences and practices of multicultural and Indigenous libraries in different geographical contexts—Australia, Canada, the United States, South Africa, Nigeria, and Brazil—highlighting the role of these institutions as spaces for cultural preservation, social inclusion, and the promotion of informational justice. The study was based on a bibliographic review conducted in national and international databases, complemented by searches in Google Scholar. The results reveal significant advances, such as the creation of community-based and digital libraries tailored to cultural and linguistic specificities, while also pointing to persistent challenges, including funding constraints, unequal access to technology, and the lack of comprehensive public policies. The research reinforces the importance of community participation and the integration of Indigenous knowledge into library practices.
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