This article examines the use of the ‘‘seating sweeps’’ observational method in a study of individuals’ use of public libraries in two large Canadian cities. The full project examines central public libraries and the roles they play in promoting and sustaining a vibrant public culture in today’s large cities. The study is situated within the contested public discourse about the importance of certain key institutions, such as the library, in public life.

Keywords: Critics, Mapping, Sweeping, Public Library.

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