The role of public libraries in society : Understanding the social, democratic, and political aspects of Finnish public libraries through the attitudes of public library staff

Abstract

This master’s thesis examines the democratic role of public libraries in Finnish society. Emphasis is placed on understanding the implications of new concepts, principles and ideas introduced in the revised Public Libraries Act from 2016. The study utilizes the e-survey method to measure and examine the attitudes of Finnish public library staff, regarding concepts and aspects, such as freedom of expression, social responsibility, neutrality, traditional priorities, democratic priorities, diversity, and cultural dialogue. The data collection was characterized by qualitative and quantitative elements. Quantitative attitudinal data results were summarized and presented through basic descriptive statistics, and qualitative content from open questions was analyzed with a mixed mode content analysis method. Results were analyzed and interpreted through a post-political perspective, a democratic theory perspective, a perspective concentrating on the concept of neutrality, and lastly, through deliberative democratic perspectives, emphasizing the concept of the public sphere. Results indicate uncertainty in regards to the implementation of democratic principles, especially if political activities are involved. This uncertainty stems from a tension between librarians’ perceptions of public library social responsibility, professional ethics that emphasize neutrality and intellectual freedom, and also from the push and pull of ideological and political contestation. Public libraries are in an unique position in regards to the hegemonic power structure. If the hegemony is incompatible with healthy democratic contestation of political ideas and ideologies, then public libraries can either make an effort to change the principles that govern the hegemony, or improve democratic means of contestation.