The gate to understanding: Swedish libraries and immigrants

Abstract

Purpose To investigate the special services for immigrants which are offered by Swedish libraries on their different levels (regional, local and school) and how these services conduct themselves to the development of the harmonic multicultural society. Design/methodology/approach The methods used in this research were interviews with librarians, the study of documents, followed by a comparative analysis. The guiding theory was a three‐phase model mentioned by Gillis Herlitz, according to which a newcomer goes through stages in an adaptation period. Phase 1 is described as a positive “honeymoon” phase, while phase 2 is a critical period of negative emotions, dominated by disappointment, which then ideally should be resolved in phase 3, where the individual reaches a balancing stage of cultural integration and successful adaptation. Findings The performances of public libraries on different levels seem to operate in a way that corresponds to the different phases in this model. The approach of the local libraries is more individual and psychological. Their services correspond to those immigrants, who find themselves in the “disappointment” phase, whereas the activities of the regional libraries are more informative and suitable for the “balancing” phase. The school libraries have the educational features and do not depend on the phase of immigrants’ adaptation. Research limitations/implications The Public Library of Borås, The Library of Komvux (The Municipal Adult Education Library) and The Hässlehus Library (the library in the district occupied mainly by immigrants) were chosen for this study. Practical implications To help immigrants overcome their difficulties of adaptation period in the new country. Originality/value This paper demonstrates how the libraries can act as a lifeline for immigrants.

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