O papel das bibliotecas comunitárias na promoção da inclusão social de pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade social: caso da Biblioteca Marta Domingos do bairro Maxaquene “A”

Abstract

Community libraries play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion, especially in socially vulnerable contexts. They provide access to various informational, educational, and cultural resources to communities that often face significant economic barriers. The Marta Domingos Library, located in the Maxaquene "A" neighborhood, is an example of a library that stands out as a reference point in promoting reading, training, and building support networks. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to analyze the role of the Marta Domingos Library (BMD), located in the Maxaquene "A" neighborhood, in promoting the social inclusion of people in situations of social vulnerability, specifically in the economic context of library users living in the Maxaquene "A" neighborhood. To achieve these objectives, descriptive and exploratory research was employed to provide greater familiarity with the problem, conducting a bibliographic survey and interviews, and adopting a case study approach. The bibliographic research included a literature review, consulting several authors who address the role of community libraries in promoting social inclusion in situations of social vulnerability. Fieldwork was also conducted, applying research techniques such as direct participant observation to characterize the Marta Domingos Library (BMD). The research sample was nonprobabilistic, and selection was based on accessibility, to select users who could represent the research population. Using a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted, a questionnaire was administered to users, and a semi-structured interview was conducted with library staff and neighborhood residents. The aim was to identify users in situations of social vulnerability, describe the practices developed to promote social inclusion for these users, and assess the impact of the library on their lives. However, the proposed theme, the research, allowed us to reflect on the role of libraries. Community libraries as instruments of social transformation, through access to information, education, and culture, acting as bridges for social inclusion. The research presents results that highlight the relevance of the practices developed by community libraries and contribute to a better understanding of their role in building a more inclusive and supportive environment.