So much more than just reading aloud : the roles of the children’s librarian in a reading aloud context

The aim of this study is to examine the roles of the children’s librarian in a reading aloud context. To reach understanding in this subject, we have conducted interviews with four Swedish librarians working in public libraries whom are involved with reading aloud practices. Previous research shows that the reasons for reading aloud in libraries are diverse and plentiful. Such reasons can be to spread cultural experiences, help children develop their language skills and promote the library to the public. The research also shows that librarianship has shifted towards a more information and technology oriented line of work due to the advancement of society as a whole. For the analysis we use the models for role characterization constructed by Maj Klasson and the role descriptions by Linda Nilsson. The results showed that many roles exist cooperatively and many positions towards the patrons can be seen. There is no indication that the work of the children’s librarian in a reading aloud context has been modernized in any technical sense – the book and the social interaction still remain the core