Pop up library : On the border between outreach and PR

This master’s thesis in Library and Information Science examines the phenomenon ”pop up library” and how public libraries are working with projects within this area. The method to collecting data is qualitative interviews with represents from five libraries in Sweden. The theoretical framework mainly consists of theories from mar- keting management especially adapted for non-profit organizations and libraries. The main results of the study shows that the purpose of why the libraries are using this method is to attract new users, make the library more available, marketing the library, work with reading promotion, start up and/or develop cooperation’s with other organizations or units within the municipality. One desire with the pop up libraries is to attract people to also visit the physical main library but there is also a fear among the informants that some people will think that the pop up library is the only library in the community. Common factors seen in my informants view of pop-up library are: temporary, unexpected and adapted for the target audience and the environment. Pop up libraries is much about relationships, to build and develop relationships with both partners and prospective users. Pop up libraries can be seen as buzz marketing, an effective way to advertise with small means. By making them into "a hot topic" it generates a buzz and publicity in local media. The pop up libraries in this study are primarily implemented as projects, funded by external project funding. They do not require as much resources to implement but is more difficult to engage in regular activities. The opportunities that libraries see with the pop up library concept is to continue to reach out to new audiences by using new creative ways. This is a two years master’s thesis in Archive, Library and Museum studies.