Utvecklingsarbete på armlängds avstånd? : En studie av Kultur Skånes roll i utvecklandet av kulturhustanken vid tre skånska bibliotek

Abstract

The aim of this Master’s thesis is to study some of the consequences the collaboration model has brought about to public libraries in Skåne. Since the implementation of the model in 2011, the regions have obtained increased responsibilities in terms of both development work and allocation of funds to public libraries in the region. The
regional cultural plan states that Kultur Skåne – The Administration of Cultural Affairs – should deepen and broaden its role as a development actor in relation to the libraries, and develop these into cultural centres. The main focus of this thesis is the realization of these two goals. By studying a cultural centre project, having Kultur
Skåne as the pursuiting development actor, we have broached the problem which we believe lies within the approaches to development. The purpose has been to examine the relationship between Kultur Skåne and the participating libraries and to analyze the observance of the arm's length principle (ie the principle that says that politicians who support cultural activities should not be allowed to govern their manifestations). Furthermore, we have wanted to investigate whether there is consensus regarding the values of the cultural centre concept among the participating libraries and Kultur Skåne. To answer our research questions, we conducted interviews with Kultur Skåne’s development actors and staff at three of the participating libraries: Dalby,
Oxie and Åstorp.

Using a discourse analytical approach, we have encircled a discourse of which the main characteristic is the will to broaden the functions of the library. This is evident on a concrete as well as on a more general level: by broadening the range of activities and services, the library also widens its functions to include other political areas. Although all of our respondents are in favor of the project, our study highlights a complex of problems regarding how a full-scale implementation of the cultural centre concept might affect the libraries. While Kultur Skåne is positive to a change of priorities some representatives from the libraries take on a more reserved and
problematizing position. We have also encircled an uncertainty about the meaning of the arm’s length principle, and to what extent the principle should be considered a framework to how Kultur Skåne should conduct their business. Kultur Skåne is regarded as an engine for development ideas – but as long as the ideological guidance
does not transform into detailed management, it is not considered to challenge the arm’s length principle. Still, our investigation raises the question: What is the difference between ideological guidance – stimulated by funds – and detailed management when the outcome is the same? We identify the combination of developers and administrators of funds as the core of the problem since it holds an aspect of power and gives Kultur Skåne a certain command over the development of the libraries.

• author: Johansson, Oskar and Andersson, Andreas
• supervisor: Johanna Rivano Eckerdal
• organization: Division of ALM and Digital Cultures
• course: ABMM54 20131
• year: 2013
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Social Sciences; Cultural Sciences
• keywords: discourse analysis, interviews, cultural policy, collaboration model, arm’s length principle, Kultur Skåne, public libraries, cultural centre concept, diskursanalys, intervjuer, kulturpolitik, kultursamverkansmodellen, armlängds avstånd, aspektpolitik, folkbibliotek, kulturhus.
• language: Swedish
• id: 3803342
• date added to LUP: 2013-06-20 11:00:07
• date last changed: 2014-04-11 14:16:33