Fields of immediate importance for Swedish libraries

Fields of immediate importance for Swedish libraries

Today several libraries choose to deny lending literature that is considered to appeal to xenophobia or spread prejudice. Libraries can still reject books due to, for example, insufficient scientific standards. However, mere views expressed in the book cannot alone be sufficient reason to refuse lending. This is a difficult issue and many libraries are now revising their purchasing policy. The debate has intensified about which associations or individuals can arrange activities or use libraries for meetings. Libraries want to be an arena for democratic meetings. Where do we set the bounds for different political groups or parties, whose goals are not always in line with the values of the library? Technological aversion is a reason for the lack in computer literacy. Libraries still take the great responsibility for digital inclusion. As many refugees visit our libraries, we must provide literature in their languages. Many public libraries arrange “language café”. A language café is a place for refugees and immigrants to meet Swedes, get to speak Swedish but this is not formally a school. The Swedish Government decided on a government grant for staff reinforcement in school libraries. The purpose is to increase school libraries’ opportunities to support pupils’ learning and reading. The school librarian has good knowledge of information, and can therefore supplement the teachers’ subject knowledge. ”Open Library” is the term for offering users access to library facilities during un-supervised hours, with self-service for loans and returns. This is possible by technology, such as RFID. The user is given an access card or tag from the library, with a pin code. To use the service, one must be 18 years old.