Digital Solutions and Library Outreach : Exploring the Use and Perceptions of new digital solutions in library outreach activities

Sammanfattning: As public libraries increasingly turn to digital solutions to enhance their outreach activities, it is important to understand the use and perceptions of these new solutions. This thesis explores how new digital solutions are being used and perceived by library employees when working with library outreach activities. The study uses a survey method to collect and analyze both quantitative and qualitative data from library employees in Sweden. Findings reveal that public libraries have implemented various new digital solutions to enhance their outreach activities, including digital versions of typically physical services such as ebooks and digital audiobooks. However, newer solutions like live streams are still in the trial stage. The most common advantages of using digital solutions for library outreach activities are increased accessibility, user flexibility, and improved access to information. However, the cost of providing digital solutions is a significant barrier for public libraries, limiting their ability to provide adequate access to information for all community members through digital means. Library employees exhibit a predominantly positive attitude towards digital development within library settings, recognizing the necessity of new digital solutions for the future of libraries. Nevertheless, a preference for personal meetings and skepticism concerning the advantages of digital service compared to physical service suggest a slower adoption rate in the later stages of the diffusion of innovations process.