Libraries and the educational system in Portugal in the 19th century: influences of nationalism

Abstract: The aim of this research is to understand the influences of nationalism on the relationship between libraries and education in Portugal in the 19th century. In the search for an understanding of how these relationships developed, the following themes were studied: formation of nations and modern man, expansion of education, social control, and creation of libraries. In methodological terms, this is a qualitative, descriptive-exploratory and bibliographical research. As a result of the research, it was shown that the implementation of mass education in the 19th century was part of a complex process that interconnected several institutions, such as schools and libraries, to play a role in the modern system designed to educate individuals and nation-states. It is concluded that in Portugal, modern conceptions of the education system and cultural policy for libraries developed as in other central European countries. The relationship between the Library and Education in Portugal was complementary and hierarchical, in which the library was conceived as a subordinate complement to the school. However, there was no autonomy of these institutions; both were made public to fulfill an indoctrination role, with the aim of disciplining the behavior of the disadvantaged classes.

Keywords:
library; education; nacionalism; Portugal; social control