Purpose – The purpose of this master thesis is to generate new knowledge and understanding how the concept of public sphere has been used and understood in library and information research of public libraries.  Design/methodology/approach –Through a systematic literatur review of  research literature of public libraries and public sphere, interpretations of the public sphere concept are mapped. Qualitative content analysis is applied for the analysis. The research questions are: 1. How is the concept of public sphere interpretated in library and information science (LIS) research about the democratic role of the public library and its role beeing a meeting place and an arena for public debate?  2. What significance can the interpretation of the concept public sphere be assumed to have for the understanding of how LIS researchers view and use the concept?  Findings – Six themes are identified: 1. Habermas original theory of public sphere from 1962. 2. A theoretical framework of public sphere, based on Habermas theory. 3. Other concepts and theories that can be applied on public libraries and public sphere. 4. A diversity of public spheres. 5. The democratic role of the public libraries and public sphere. 6. Conversation, communication, debate and public sphere.

Research problem and objective: NPM had an uneven distribution throughout Europe during the 1980s. The NPM system has had a major impact on the public sector and the libraries. By analyzing eight European library legislations this bachelor’s thesis aims to see what NPM characteristics are visible, how the legislations differ from each other and discuss if the democratic mission is inhibited by NPM. Method: A qualitative content analysis. Use of the four sociopolitical models by Sapir (2006), a tentative hypothesis by Hood (1995) and previous research by Kann-Christensen (2011), among others. Key results and arguments: The legislations that show a high NPM impact are those from England/Wales, Northern Ireland, Denmark, and France. Those that show lower impact are those from Spain, Italy, Sweden, and Norway. Libraries in countries with multiple national borders may have a more accessible library service. The sociopolitical models can only predict the impact of NPM to some degree. Commercial services counteract the equal access to information. Conclusion: The study has led to the main conclusion that NPM could have an inhibiting effect on the democratic mission of libraries, but the risk is low if libraries and librarians stay true to their democratic values.