Article

A critical moment: U.S. Public libraries, public trust, and the 2020 Census

Authors: Ana Ndumu (University of Maryland, College Park) , Amy Carol Dickinson (University of Maryland, College Park) , Paul T. Jaeger (University of Maryland, College Park)

Abstract

The current U.S. political climate continues to alter society’s engagement with public institutions. The upcoming 2020 census will especially require libraries to reevaluate their services and outreach. This important political event poses a host of implications for information privacy and policy; e-inclusion and e-governance; resource distribution; representation; and social justice. Marginalized communities are acutely at risk of being left out of the democratic process. This article addresses the overarching question, “What is the role of libraries in promoting civic engagement in the 2020 U.S. census?”

Keywords: Libraries, Democracy, Census 2020, Social Inclusion, Diversity, Representation

How to Cite: Ndumu, A. , Dickinson, A. C. & Jaeger, P. T. (2020) “A critical moment: U.S. Public libraries, public trust, and the 2020 Census”, The Political Librarian. 4(2). doi: https://doi.org/10.7936/pollib.8532