Library Matters: : Librarians' Professional Identity and the Public Service Mission in Contemporary Sweden

Sammanfattning

This thesis aims to explore how librarians experience their professional role in a society with an increased focus on quantifiable measures. It also examines how broader societal changes affect librarians’ professional identity. The study uses the theoretical framework of Harry Braverman and Arlie Hochschild to gain a better understanding of the issues facing public librarians in contemporary Sweden. Through the qualitative method of semi-structured interviews, this thesis explores the subjective experiences of librarians employed at libraries in the greater Stockholm area. The findings conclude that contemporary librarians are subjected to deskilling. There is also an increased burden of emotional labour placed on librarians. This results both from higher public service expectations and from the non-commercial, democratic nature of library operations.