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LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Lust att läsa?

Krdzic, Elvira LU and Johnte, Martin (2026) ÄSVM12 20261
Department of Educational Sciences
Educational Sciences
Abstract
This study examines how school libraries at upper secondary school in Sweden work to promote reading motivation among students, and how Swedish language teachers and students make use of the school library as a resource. The study is conducted against the backdrop of declining voluntary reading among young people, as documented in international surveys such as PISA, and the forthcoming legislative changes that impose stricter requirements on staffed school libraries with qualified personnel.

The study draws on a sociocultural theoretical framework and three complementary perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight school librarians at five municipal schools in southern Sweden, non-participatory... (More)
This study examines how school libraries at upper secondary school in Sweden work to promote reading motivation among students, and how Swedish language teachers and students make use of the school library as a resource. The study is conducted against the backdrop of declining voluntary reading among young people, as documented in international surveys such as PISA, and the forthcoming legislative changes that impose stricter requirements on staffed school libraries with qualified personnel.

The study draws on a sociocultural theoretical framework and three complementary perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight school librarians at five municipal schools in southern Sweden, non-participatory observations of the school library environments, and questionnaires distributed to Swedish language teachers at the same schools. The material was analysed through methodological and data triangulation.

The findings show that school librarians engage in varied and creative reading promotion work, including book talks, reading projects, book clubs, themed displays, and events. Teachers generally rate the school library’s contribution to student reading motivation highly. However, the collaboration between school librarians and Swedish language teachers, while perceived as high in quality when it does occur, takes place infrequently and tends to depend on individual initiative rather than on structural or organisational preconditions. Observations reveal that students primarily use the school library as a social meeting place and study space rather than a place for reading. Reading motivation among students is perceived by teachers as low and closely tied to assessment contexts.

The study concludes that the school library’s potential as a reading promotion resource is significant but unevenly realised. Structural barriers, time constraints, and a lack of shared understanding of the school library’s mission limits the depth and reach of collaboration. A more systematic approach to collaboration is needed for the school library to function as an effective mediator or reading motivation for all students. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Krdzic, Elvira LU and Johnte, Martin
supervisor
organization
alternative title
En studie om hur skolans aktörer använder skolbiblioteket som en läsfrämjande resurs
course
ÄSVM12 20261
year
type
H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
subject
keywords
school library, reading motivation, reading promotion, upper secondary school, teacher-librarian collaboration, sociocultural perspective
language
Swedish
id
9245206
date added to LUP
2026-06-29 09:37:44
date last changed
2026-06-29 09:37:44
@misc{9245206,
  abstract     = {{This study examines how school libraries at upper secondary school in Sweden work to promote reading motivation among students, and how Swedish language teachers and students make use of the school library as a resource. The study is conducted against the backdrop of declining voluntary reading among young people, as documented in international surveys such as PISA, and the forthcoming legislative changes that impose stricter requirements on staffed school libraries with qualified personnel.

The study draws on a sociocultural theoretical framework and three complementary perspectives. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with eight school librarians at five municipal schools in southern Sweden, non-participatory observations of the school library environments, and questionnaires distributed to Swedish language teachers at the same schools. The material was analysed through methodological and data triangulation. 

The findings show that school librarians engage in varied and creative reading promotion work, including book talks, reading projects, book clubs, themed displays, and events. Teachers generally rate the school library’s contribution to student reading motivation highly. However, the collaboration between school librarians and Swedish language teachers, while perceived as high in quality when it does occur, takes place infrequently and tends to depend on individual initiative rather than on structural or organisational preconditions. Observations reveal that students primarily use the school library as a social meeting place and study space rather than a place for reading. Reading motivation among students is perceived by teachers as low and closely tied to assessment contexts.

The study concludes that the school library’s potential as a reading promotion resource is significant but unevenly realised. Structural barriers, time constraints, and a lack of shared understanding of the school library’s mission limits the depth and reach of collaboration. A more systematic approach to collaboration is needed for the school library to function as an effective mediator or reading motivation for all students.}},
  author       = {{Krdzic, Elvira and Johnte, Martin}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Lust att läsa?}},
  year         = {{2026}},
}