Library service to children from a gender perspective. An exploratory study.

The aim of this Masters thesis is, with an exploratory stand, to examine the thoughts regarding gender perspective at childrens library service that are expressed from childrens librarians as well as the staff in administrative management. The purpose of the study is to generate ideas for further research and discussion regarding a gender perspective on the childrens library service. A total of eight interviews have been carried out. Three persons at the administrative level and five childrens librarians were interviewed. We also have examined if a gender perspective is expressed in the control documents, from international level to a local level, which the libraries could use when developing and planning their work. A theoretical framework combining queer studies and gender pedagogy has been chosen. The study has generated following problems, which could be examined in further research: What importance does age, gender, class, ethnicity, education and work experience play regarding the librarians view on gender perspective? Which significance does literature have on childrens identity construction and how can the libraries contribute to an ambiguous and balanced portrayal of identities? What resources and competence development are necessary to include a gender perspective in childrens library service?Uppsatsnivå: