”Jag tror inte att man lättvindigt lägger ner bibliotek någonstans” : Regionala perspektiv på samverkan, tillgänglighet och biblioteken som mötesplats i ett förändrat landskap

Sammanfattning: In Sweden, the libraries are an establishment with high trust. The library constitutes a meeting place where many activities take place, not just reading-promoting activities. Despite this, a development is seen where libraries are closing. This study examines various advantages and challenges for libraries in terms of three perspectives that are often discussed in urban and spatial planning: collaboration, accessibility and meeting places. The purpose of this study is to investigate the libraries’ conditions from a regional perspective and understand how these are developed in a changing society. In the study, representatives from six regional libraries were interviewed. The results show that libraries in both smaller and larger municipalities have challenges and advantages, although they may look different. Closures are not always evil, accessibility can extend beyond the physical sphere and new groups in society seek to libraries, which increases the importance of meeting places. Political changes can also lead to conflicts between political will and legislation.