| Summary: | The aim of this thesis is to contribute to a better under-standing of the roles libraries have during crises and the types of crises that libraries encounter. The thesis will do this by exploring the experiences of library managers and coordinators, and how the work of libraries is perceived during crises, with the purpose of investigating libraries' relationship to wicked problems. The research material used in this study is collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews. In total, nine interviews with managers and coordinators from different types of libraries have been conducted. The theoretical framework used to understand and explain the collected data consists of wicked problems, crises typology, and resilience. The results of the study show that libraries encounter both slow and fast burning crises with the Covid-19-pandemic being the most significant and comprehensive crisis. The majority of the encountered crises can be understood as wicked problems. The role that libraries play during crises depends on the type of the library and its proximity to the public. Based on the collected material, I was able to identify seven general themes that characterize the libraries' roles during societal crises: information and information literacy, the last public outpost, democracy and freedom of expression, safe spaces and well-being, culture and free time, education and development, and support for other public and private utilities. A key finding is that libraries show a high capability to adapt their spaces and services to a changing context, and to help build resilient communities.
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