Thesis
Participation, people and place : the role of public libraries in fostering connection and cultural capital in disadvantaged communities
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2022
- Thesis identifier
- T16552
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201562074
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- A cultural divide has been acknowledged in the UK, with people from disadvantaged (e.g., employment, education) communities least likely to participate in cultural activities. This research investigates the public library role in addressing issues of cultural divide by enabling and encouraging cultural engagement through group activity, using a qualitative approach encompassing participant observation and semi structured interviews with 42 participants, across 9 libraries (<25% SIMD) and 6 activities (knitting, walking, bounce and rhyme, adult literacy and numeracy, creative writing, and book groups). This research evidences the drivers and barriers to cultural participation, meanings and motivations associated with group activity, and the sociocultural role of libraries in disadvantaged communities. The holistic impact of library groups is qualitatively demonstrated via shared participant perceptions of participation as purposeful and meaningful, providing social, cultural, developmental and wellbeing benefits. Animating libraries through group activity sparked and sustained participation, stimulated and supported social connection, cultural development, and the sharing of information amongst participants. In demonstrating the interplay between participation, people, and place, this research provides the first empirical evidence in the library context of the ability of group activity to generate cultural and social capital, provide a third place to enjoy culture and connection and information grounds for cultural information. Qualitative insight is provided of how this increases the relevance and personal importance of libraries and a catalyst to perception change concerning the function and value of public libraries. In evidencing the holistic impact of library groups to issues of cultural divide and social inclusion, unrecognised within policy and practice, this research contributes to governmental and professional efforts to better understand and advocate the impact of cultural engagement. Illuminating the need for changes to professional practice which could increase the accessibility, awareness, and appeal of library services, by providing and promoting libraries as places for participation.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Quinn, Neil
- Buchanan, Steven
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Funder
Relations
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PDF of thesis T16552 | 2023-05-09 | Public | Download |