Den svenska biblioteksgeografin

This article is a reflection on the Swedish library system, taking its departure point in theconcept of “library geography”. The aim is to construct an updated and realistic description ofthe sector as a whole, including basic institutions, organisational elements, main actors andbasic relations. The study uses a pragmatic and interpretative approach, based on a smallsample of empirical evidence. The sources are varied and consist of web sites, librarycalendars, encyclopaedias, academic literature and reports from public agencies at differentlevels. The article presents a figure identifying different founding categories of how librariesare conceptualised in practice. It also introduces a new construction for mapping differentinstitutions, organisational elements etc. in relation to their position in social areas or societaldimensions. The authors reflect on the incongruent structure of the field and confirm therebythe conclusions of other researchers. They also add new aspects to the picture such as digitalinitiatives and organisational life in the private sector of the Swedish library system. Somesuggestions are given on how to map the library field in the future, based on categories suchas user, documentary practices and roles and functions