When the public library becomes a public library in the Culture Center : A study of change and transformation

The purpose of this paper is to study what happens to the librarian and it´s profession at the public library when it is developed or converted into a Library and Cultural center. This study take bearing on how the librarian experience the difference in working at a public library and a Library and Culture Center. The method used is a semi-structured qualitative interview, and the theoretical framework is Andrew Abbott's System of Profession. The material consists of interviews with five librarians who previously worked in a public library and subsequently in Library and Cultural Center. The findings of the study show that librarians have a positive attitude towards working in a Library and Culture Center and that they to some degree still work with traditional tasks. However, the work in Library and Culture Centers have changed in the sense that it consist of working with programs, e.g. music and author events. Additionally, public education and a closer collaboration with the end user. The study also revealed that the librarians believe in an increase need for more up-to-date knowledge on new technology as a consequence of the user’s new demands and wishes. Furthermore, adding various community services is part of the integration of public libraries and Library and Culture Centers, making it a large meeting-place for the local residents