| Summary: | The purpose of this thesis is to explore what possibilities Swedish public library has to work with and promote integration. The possibilities are examined on the basis of internal requirements of integration, the role of public library in the civil society and its policy documents. Further, the thesis examines what Swedish National library politics could contribute to this particular field. The experience of integration politics shows that a genuine commitment from all parts of the society is required in order to build an integrated society. The part of a society that public libraries are closest to and have the greatest impact on is undoubtedly the civil society. Within this research I have highlighted the changes that should be made in our society in order to achieve the goal of integration, as well as the opportunities that our public libraries should take in order to efficiently work towards these changes. If the work is to be more effective, a personal commitment as well as targeted investments done by librarians are necessary. Public library’s regulations express the importance of fighting against segregation, as well as the importance of making the cultural heritage of minorities a part of the common cultural heritage, and creating the opportunities for people to meet and get inspired by each other. This Research reveals that what is expressed in documents does not always have an impact on what happens in the reality and that there is an uncertainty when it comes to the function of public library and its power of influence. Opposite to what has been said, this study also proves that there are genuine enthusiasts there, the driving forces, who are working for a positive development and changes on the front.
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