Public libraries as culture centers

Public libraries generally have strong support as public cultural institutions. In todays changing media landscape the role that they play are challenged. Presently a number of projects are run in Region Skåne, supported by the Swedish Arts Council, with the aim of developing libraries into cultural centres in dialog with the local community. In this study three of these projects are followed.

Presently, projects are run at ten public libraries in Region Skåne, supported by the Swedish Arts Council, with the goal of developing public libraries into cultural centres in dialogue with the local community. In this study projects at three public libraries are followed.

Public libraries have traditionally a strong position as public institutions. At the same time they are challenged today by the changing media landscape and the role libraries should and can play in it. In the current projects public libraries collaborate with partners in the local community, with the goal of thereby strengthening and renewing the role of libraries in the local community and their democratic mandate. By inviting partners to plan and take an active part in the activities of the library the relationship with the users change. Thereby the role and identities of libraries and librarians are questioned.
In the study the process and how it is understood by the participants will be followed and analysed as well as how increased participation is achieved in the projects and the deliberations that is made underway.

Interviews, participant observation and log-books will be used in the study.
By presenting examples and analysis of how public libraries have taken on the task of inviting greater participation the study will offer a basis of knowledge for similar projects and development projects at public libraries.