BIBLIOTEK FÖR ALLA? En diskursanlys av IFLA:s internationella manifest

This thesis for the Master’s degree takes its starting point in eight library manifestos produced by International Federation of Library Association and Institutions (IFLA). The focus is on the role and missions of public libraries expressed through these manifestos. The great authority of IFLA contributes to the values of the organization and tends to become the norm for the activities of libraries worldwide. The pre-understanding for this Master’s thesis is that it is problematic that IFLA produce documents with the purpose of reaching all their members across the world. It could be suspected that the IFLA manifestos are colored by western standards and ideals. The aim of this study is to reveal whether there are such western influences, and if so, how is it then expressed in the manifestos. More specifically, using the theories of discourses by Foucault, the aim is to reveal possible structures of power in the manifestos produced by IFLA, partly in collaboration with UNESCO, as well as learn about and question the perceptions of the library’s missions, constructed and reproduced in the manifestos. In addition to the Foucauldian discourse analysis the study draws on a postcolonial theory, intending to pay attention to statements as constructions created within discourses. The discourse analysis is inspired by a three steps model by Sanna Talja. To study the missions of the library, expressed in the manifestos, focus lies on the themes most often repeated in the manifestos, namely: Learning and education, cultural heritage and preservation and aspects of accessibility. How these selected themes are spoken of by IFLA is studied, and underlying power relations in statements of each manifesto are highlighted. The conclusion of the study is an identified IFLA discourse. The manifestos are written for the parts of the world which are rich in resources in areas of technology, infrastructure and economics. The study is based on an interest in power relations, which, according to Foucault and postcolonial theorists, permeates all discourse. The statements in the discourse identified are largely based on relationships between “those who have” and “those who do not have” access to technology or the ability to master the technical equipment