Synnøve Ulvik and Gunhild Salvesen
The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the outcomes of a reference transaction can be improved by focusing on the ethical dimension of the conversation between user and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether the outcomes of a reference transaction can be improved by focusing on the ethical dimension of the conversation between user and librarian. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the ethical implications of the reference interview.
Design/methodology/approach
The starting point is the ethical questions raised by the results of Gunhild Salvesen's PhD thesis, where she analyses authentic reference interviews by the method Conversation Analysis (CA). She found several traits in the conversations between librarian and user with a negative influence on the quality of the transactions. To visualise the ethical implications of the same conversation, Løgstrup's ethics of proximity are used.
Findings
Analysing the conversations from an ethical perspective revealed that increased ethical consciousness among the librarians clearly would have improved the quality of the actual transactions. It is concluded that the total quality of reference transactions will increase by focusing on the ethical dimension.
Research limitations/implications
Using data from a researcher to validate the same data in another context might not be considered appropriate. However, using the transcripts from Salvesen's dissertation would serve the purpose of revealing the ethical implications of the interviews and their influence on the quality.
Practical implications
This work might contribute to increasing the ethical consciousness among reference librarians, and encourage them to improve their communication skills, to raise the quality of the interaction.
Originality/value
This way of using ethical theories in the analysis of authentic conversations between user and librarian is new. Likewise, using CA on reference interviews in a library setting is also new.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to present the work of a multicultural memory group in a Norwegian public library. The project aims to establish the library as a physical meeting…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the work of a multicultural memory group in a Norwegian public library. The project aims to establish the library as a physical meeting place for people from different cultures, and thus facilitate integration, common understanding and trust.
Design/methodology/approach
The method of unstructured participating observation is used in studying the group's work, while the method of reminiscence work is used in the group itself. The paper describes and discusses both of these methods.
Findings
The library definitely provides an arena for meetings between people from different cultures. The consequences of the project are network building, increased language skills among the immigrants participating, stronger feelings of belonging, increased trust and self‐confidence. However, this regular activity initiated by the library did not succeed until a connection to another organized activity, the local language school, was established.
Research limitations/implications
Because closeness and a certain emotional involvement are important conditions for the group to succeed, there might be a danger of less research objectivity.
Practical implications
The memory group might be a model for similar work in other public libraries in multicultural communities.
Originality/value
Using the library as an arena for reminiscence work among immigrants is new.
Details
Keywords
Jonas Matthias Eiriksson, Anne-Mette Lerche and José Manuel Retsloff