Access and preservation of rare book collections : A discourse analysis of leading representatives´opinions at Stockholm and Uppsala University Libraries

In this thesis, rare book collections in university libraries are studied. University libraries function primarily as service institutions for students and researchers. Rare book collections may to some extent be seen as a part of this service. Stockholm and Uppsala University Libraries are the focus in this thesis. They participate because of their difference regarding their rare book collections. The purpose of this thesis is to examine access to, and preservation of, rare book collections in university libraries. In order to do this, one question is formulated: How do Stockholm and Uppsala University Libraries approach the issue of access to, and preservation of, their rare book collections? Questionnaires were sent to representatives for the rare book collections at Stockholm and Uppsala University Libraries. The answers are analysed using discourse theory. Seven chains of equivalence with attached nodal points are identified. These chains represent the University Libraries focal points in working with their rare book collections. They are working with different issues of rare book collections. Among others, the issues of digitalisation, treatment and knowledge of rare book collections are discussed. Our conclusion is that focus is on preserving rare book collections even though the literature examined in this thesis tend to emphasize access. This thesis ends with a discussion of our choice of method.Uppsatsnivå: