In-between strengthened accessibility and economic demands : analysing self-service libraries from a user perspective
Author
Summary, in English
Purpose - The aim of this paper is to explore the implementation of self-service at public libraries from the perspective of their users. The implementation of self-service is related to a diverse societal context including for example an overall digitalisation, budget constraints and political expectations on public libraries to contribute to marketing the local community.
Methodology - Semi-structured interviews with users and observations have been undertaken at self-service libraries in the south of Sweden. The material is analysed by means of a theoretical framework consisting of previous critical LIS-research, Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis and Habermas’ theory of the colonisation of the lifeworld.
Findings - The implementation of self-service is affecting the users’ library practices as well as their expectations on the library. These expectations are shaped by various and sometimes competing discourses.
Social implications - To support public libraries’ role as democratic public spheres the complexity of the users’ understandings should be taken into consideration when implementing self-service.
Originality/value – The differing expectations articulated by the users, and the various discourses they can be related to, implicate a hegemonic struggle, corresponding to a changing view on public libraries.
Methodology - Semi-structured interviews with users and observations have been undertaken at self-service libraries in the south of Sweden. The material is analysed by means of a theoretical framework consisting of previous critical LIS-research, Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis and Habermas’ theory of the colonisation of the lifeworld.
Findings - The implementation of self-service is affecting the users’ library practices as well as their expectations on the library. These expectations are shaped by various and sometimes competing discourses.
Social implications - To support public libraries’ role as democratic public spheres the complexity of the users’ understandings should be taken into consideration when implementing self-service.
Originality/value – The differing expectations articulated by the users, and the various discourses they can be related to, implicate a hegemonic struggle, corresponding to a changing view on public libraries.
Department/s
- Division of ALM, Digital Cultures and Publishing Studies
- Information Practices: Communication, Culture and Society
Publishing year
2016-12-22
Language
English
Pages
145-159
Publication/Series
Journal of Documentation
Volume
73
Issue
1
Document type
Journal article
Publisher
Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Topic
- Information Studies
Status
Published
Research group
- Information Practices: Communication, Culture and Society
ISBN/ISSN/Other
- ISSN: 0022-0418