Biblioteksverksamhet för de allra yngsta. : Belastning eller belöning för bibliotekens grunduppdrag? En innehållsanalys av HelGe-bibliotekens planer.

Sammanfattning: This bachelor thesis aims to examine the library plans of the HelGe-libraries to find what is revealed about library services for the youngest children (0-3 years). I have made a content analysis to compare previous research on the subject with my findings in the plans. I have also made an analysis of other external directional documents that the libraries might use for inspiration in their services. In the background is the fact that public libraries in Sweden are governed by municipal self-government. Some of the comprehensive questions in this thesis are: What do the plans reveal about eventual services for babies and toddlers? What external directional documents can be found and how are they followed? How are libraries affected in this area by the municipal self-government? The previous research I have studied has to do with the approach libraries have on children, how libraries think about participation for the youngest and which perspective of children libraries use in their activities. Is it the child´s perspective or a child perspective? In the background is the UN´s Convention on the Rights of the Child. I have also studied research about the childrens librarians identity. My theoretical framework is neo-instirutional theory, with a hint of Scandinavian institutional theory. My findings shows that very few library plans actually mention childrens activities. It is also revealed that this kind of activities for the youngest at the libraries is not as common as I hoped it would be, sometimes due to the local political priorities.