Surpassing the business model: a public sphere approach to public library management

The purpose of this paper is to compare the characteristics of the public sphere with those of a shared value approach and better understand the value that public libraries can offer to management theory.

This paper uses two methods. First, this study uses a systematic literature review to identify sources relevant to shared value and the public sphere in public libraries. Next, this study uses comparative theoretical analysis using data gathered from the systematic review to analyse the two theories.

This study successfully describes the similarities and differences between “shared value” and the “public sphere in public libraries”.

This study elucidates public library innovation from the perspectives of library management and the public sphere concept.