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Introduction
This paper explores the ranging notions of a public library for all, and the related conflicts on for all and the principle of neutrality in Norway and Denmark. Descriptions of the public library often include statements that emphasize the library as an institution that empowers users by proving equal access to information (Audunson et al., 2020) and a cornerstone of democracy (Kranich, 2020). Thus, the most frequent and powerful description of the public library is the library for all. For all is a core value and is expressed through the principle of free access to both materials and the physical library space for all citizens in society. For all is clearly confirmed by International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) stating that materials, facilities and services must be “equally accessible to all users” with no discrimination due to “race, creed, gender or age” (IFLA, 1999). Further, for all is also marked in both the Norwegian Library Act, “for everyone living in the country” (Norwegian Public Library Act, 1985) and in the Danish Library Act: “Public libraries are available to anyone” (Danish Public Library Act, 2000). The notion of a library for all is connected to the principle of neutrality. Traditionally, the principle of the neutral library has been both an ideal and a way to practice for all through universality and values of information freedom and freedom of speech (Helgason, 2020; Lewis, 2008). However, the principle of neutrality is also criticized through the argument that for all must entail a greater focus on under-represented groups (Hudson, 2017; Schrader, 2009) and that neutrality is perceived as an impossible ambition, that contributes to the reproduction of stigma (Drabinski, 2013; Olson, 2007).
Conflicts related to for all and neutrality have increased in public libraries in both Norway and Denmark in recent years (Nissen and Kann-Rasmussen, 2022; Larsen, 2024). A recent example from Norway is a conflict concerning whether the public library should continue to promote Harry Potter-books in the light of the controversial opinions on the transgender community from author J.K. Rowling (Kallelid, 2021). There is agreement that the public library should be for all, but disagreement concerning how for all should be achieved. Proponents see the principle of neutrality as a...