The meaning of literature : An interview study of how a number of public librarians experience bibliotherapy in relation to their professional role and literature promotion

Abstract: This Master’s thesis investigates seven public librarians’ approach to bibliotherapy in relation to their experiences of key components in their role and in relation to literature promotion, as well as how they consider bibliotherapy within the context of Swedish public libraries. Research questions used were: Which competences and characteristics do the librarians experience as key components in their role related to literature promotion? How do the librarians consider traditional forms of literature promotion in relation to bibliotherapy? How do the librarians consider bibliotherapy in the context of Swedish public libraries? Interviews were carried out with seven public librarians, two of them working with bibliotherapy. A thematic analysis was used to process the empirical material. Theoretical instruments applied in the analysis were Grøn’s three phases of literature promotion in public libraries and Brewster’s research on bibliotherapy. Six aspects of the librarians’ role in relation to literature promotion emerged from the informants’ experiences: digital tools, social competence, information seeking, literature knowledge, general knowledge and some personal characteristics. The librarians’ approach to traditional literature promotion can be found mainly in two of Grøn’s phases, the reformative and the affirmative. Bibliotherapy can, according to some informants, be related to traditional forms of literature promotion, in accordance with Brewster’s informal bibliotherapy. The study suggests that many of the librarians are positive to bibliotherapy but finds some aspects problematic when implemented within the public library. Amongst problems mentioned were: the term therapy associated with clinical environments, lack of education and general knowledge amongst librarians and users