PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND THEIR ROLE IN PROMOTING INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS

Abstract

Public libraries have a significant role to play in the preservation and propagation of indigenous knowledge systems, including ecology, medicine, linguistics, and cultural practices. These knowledge systems remain poorly represented in mainstream academic and digital collections. The current research uses a qualitative research design with a focus on public libraries in North America, Australia, and South Asia, where indigenous knowledge preservation efforts are being actively pursued. The study draws on case studies of five public library initiatives that have succeeded in incorporating indigenous knowledge into their collections, programming, and digital collections. Data were gathered from semi-structured interviews with 25 librarians and 15 indigenous community members and content analysis of 30 library programs, policy reports, and digital collections concerning indigenous knowledge preservation. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data to look for trends in library services to indigenous peoples, and content analysis was used to determine the degree and range of indigenous knowledge inclusion in library programming and policies. The results indicate that public libraries actively engage indigenous elders and knowledge keepers in the development of culturally appropriate collections, oral history documentation initiatives, and bilingual digital archives to enhance knowledge accessibility. However, intellectual property rights disputes, unfunded indigenous-led projects, and ethical concerns of knowledge ownership persist. The study asserts the requirement for community curation through libraries forging official partnerships with indigenous organizations, seeking policy-level support, and adopting ethical principles that allow indigenous knowledge to remain with its rightful custodians. As libraries are digitally transformed, the research accentuates the need for inclusive policies, resource investment in indigenous knowledge initiatives, and participatory knowledge-sharing processes to strengthen their role as centers for indigenous heritage preservation.