Community Members’ Perspective on Public Libraries as Places to Overcome Social Divisions: A Case Study in Oslo

Public libraries are expanding their role with a growing emphasis on their potential to address a prominent contemporary social issue: overcoming social divisions. However, the perceptions of community members concerning libraries’ expanded role remain largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the experiences and perceptions of local community residents regarding public libraries’ role in mitigating social disparities. A case study was conducted at Deichman, a public library system in Oslo, using an online questionnaire focused on exploring the motivations behind library visits and identifying the library services deemed essential by residents. Based on 501 responses, the findings suggest that they predominantly associate libraries with their traditional roles of book lending and information provision, both in terms of their personal usage and the importance they attribute to various library services. In contrast, services aimed at bridging social divisions were not frequently deemed significant. Nevertheless, there were instances where respondents highlighted unique experiences facilitated by the library, including the connecting of diverse communities. These interactions are essential for reducing gaps in experiences and promoting mutual understanding among residents. It is anticipated that as more individuals encounter such transformative experiences, the overarching perception of public libraries will evolve accordingly.