The libraries of the Gulbenkian Foundation and public readership in Portugal (1957-1987)

Abstract

The state's delays in devising and implementing policies for modern Portugal were attenuated by the actions of civil society. The Gulbenkian Foundation stands out in this regard. Amongst other contributions, it prepared the ground for the organization of a public readership. This article analyses its sectoral policies in the period when state policy was lacking. It shows that under a dictatorial regime co-operation between the state and civil society was essential, even though the central organs of the state were not part of this equation.