Distansutbildningens inverkan på folkbiblioteken - exemplet Blekinge

The aim of this study is to examine the services offered by the public libraries in the context of distance learning students. I wanted to examine if there has been any discussion among the public libraries on how the new needs and demands affect them. To get a premonition on the development in Sweden I have focused on the public libraries in the province of Blekinge, which in many ways can be looked upon as precursors. Interviews have taken place with the distance learning students contacts at the local public libraries, the responsible librarian and a distance learning organiser at the local university college, the county library consultant and one of the chief librarians. I have reached the conclusion that no thorough discussion on the far-reaching aspects has taken place. I strongly emphasise the need and importance of such a discussion and more long-range planning among the public libraries in Sweden in order to ensure continuity for traditional library work and to prevent stagnation in the development