Toward a Multicultural American Public Library History

A recent interpretive shift in library history posits public libraries as institutions that advance the dominant culture's ideology. Complicating the research questions that arise from such an interpretive stance is the multicultural society in which libraries in the United States operate. This article reviews selected books and articles, particularly those related to African-American experiences in and around libraries, and suggests pos- sible ways to move toward a more inclusive American public library history.