In-between strengthened accessibility and economic demands: analysing self-service libraries from a user perspective

TY - JOUR

T1 - In-between strengthened accessibility and economic demands

T2 - analysing self-service libraries from a user perspective

AU - Engström, Lisa

AU - Rivano Eckerdal, Johanna

PY - 2017

Y1 - 2017

N2 - Purpose: The purpose 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. Design/methodology/approach: 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 life world. 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.

AB - Purpose: The purpose 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. Design/methodology/approach: 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 life world. 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.

U2 - 10.1108/JD-02-2016-0013

DO - 10.1108/JD-02-2016-0013

M3 - Journal article

SN - 0022-0418

VL - 73

SP - 145

EP - 159

JO - Journal of Documentation

JF - Journal of Documentation

IS - 1

ER -