Ubiquitous but invisible – public librarians’ self-imposed professional information practices as articulation work

Abstract

Introduction. To do a good job, public librarians must stay informed and updated on matters related to their work. Seeking and making use of information is ubiquitous in librarians’ everyday work life but this part of their work is elusive and hard to identify. This paper presents a study of how Swedish public librarians keep updated with professional information. It aims to elucidate the parts of this work that occur silently and often outside of formal working hours.

Method. The empirical data consists of recorded and transcribed interviews with librarians at Swedish public libraries.

Analysis. The activity focused on in the study is conceptualised using the theoretical concept of articulation work, which is used to describe and analyse how various tasks are linked together into an overarching whole recognised as the abstract phenomenon of work.

Results. The analysis shows how information seeking and use constitute a fundamental part of the work but also plays a significant role in the library's efforts towards direction and development.

Conclusion. Failing to make visible this information practice may contribute to reducing the legitimacy of the activity, ultimately leading to this fundamental element not receiving the time and space it seems to require.