Recent Research Articles
Democratic Librarianship in the Nordic Model
The purpose of this research is to examine the evolving democratic librarianship and its robust connection to the Nordic societal model. Through an analysis of libraries in Oslo, Tromsø, Stockholm, Aarhus and Helsinki, as well as recent changes in library laws, we have analysed contemporary democratic librarianship in the Nordic countries through four essential factors: (1) citizens in democratic activities within libraries, (2) library managerial decisions, (3) activities of political parties within public libraries and (4) library laws. Through the analysis, we show that this robust and unique ecosystem is supported by (1) discussions at book clubs and shared readings events connected to common societal concerns, (2) criteria of library directors and managers, such as neutrality, freedom of speech and clauses of the Library Act, (3) perception of politicians regarding public libraries as the centre of the democratic community and (4) the Library Acts critically impacting democratic librarianship.
Cite this paper - Koizumi, M and Larsen, H. (2022), “Democratic librarianship in the Nordic model”, Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. pp. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006211069673
Analysis of the Dynamics Among State Libraries, Local Libraries, and Citizens in the United States
This study explores the policy dimensions of public libraries in the United States from 2000 to 2021. A longitudinal document analysis was conducted using strategic plans, grant evaluation reports, Web pages, and other materials produced by the New York State Library. The purpose of this study was to describe the interrelationships that exist between local, state, and federal policies in response to emerging societal problems. Findings indicate a changing focus in key strategies. In response to evolving social issues, library policy transitioned away from an emphasis on electronic collections and toward an emphasis on the use of library spaces for community services and programs targeting specific populations. The policies encourage investment in collections and services that influence citizens’ lives. Other salient emerging goals include broadening partnerships with public and private agencies, securing alternative funding streams, and meeting minimum public library standards. At the same time, it was found that dynamic relationships exist between local, state, and federal policies. While state policies undoubtedly affect local library operations, the reverse is also true, and state policymakers look to innovative local library systems when developing future strategies. The findings of this study are significant because they build on previous literature in the cultural policy field by further elaborating public library policy dynamics from an understudied context.
Cite this paper - Yamagishi, M., Koizumi, M., Widdersheim, M.M. (2022). Analysis of the Dynamics Among State Libraries, Local Libraries, and Citizens in the United States. In: Smits, M. (eds) Information for a Better World: Shaping the Global Future. iConference 2022. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 13192, p. 12-20. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-96957-8_2
