Public Libraries as Place and Space – New Services, New Visibility

Abstract

This paper will explore what can be called a social shift in Norwegian public libraries, connected to a change in The Norwegian Library Act in 2014 stating that the public libraries shall be independent meeting places and arenas for public conversations and debate. I will look at some of the intentions behind the change in Library Act, what theories we can use to explain the intentions, as well as the events and activities set into action in order to fulfil these intentions. The paper will reflect on whether the role of Norwegian Public Libraries as meeting place and arena for public discussions and debate contribute to a renewed legitimization of the library as space and place, and if it can it provide a new visibility and a new way to promote libraries in a digital age.