Para un catálogo atractivo: libros y políticas editoriales para las bibliotecas populares. La propuesta de Domingo Faustino Sarmiento

it is shown a work hypothesis to study the writtings by domingo faustino sarmiento about popular libraries. in this context, the present essay is centered in a specific question: what books for popular libraries? through a critical analysis of the author texts, it is intended to show that the lines which define the characteristics of the collections of that institutions must be sought in the ties maintained by the multiple thematic nucleus analyzed by sarmiento, that is: the examination of the trade and industry of books in america, the organization of editorial projects, his position about reading novels, among others. from a concrete article, it is described the way in which sarmiento conceives the relationship between readers and the readings in the specific context of a popular library. in the final conclusion, two observations are made: firstly, the selection of readings is not an isolated prescription, but a complex of observations about the presence of books and reading in latin america, specially in chile and argentina. secondly, the author appeals to the elaboration of a catalog capable to attract the readers. this objective is a priority in his project.