Do Libraries Create Social Capital?

This study analyzes the role of the library in creating social capital in the community. A set of public libraries was randomly selected from a list of communities identified as having high or low social capital. Specific aspects of library administration and services are tested against social capital levels to identify factors that may contribute to or depend upon social cohesion in the community. Some of these factors include community support for the library in the form of local and non-governmental funding, salaries and benefits, volunteer effort and program attendance. Specific types of programs and characteristics of targeted audiences are also studied to determine if library programs promote the types of social relationships that create social capital in the community