Recent trends in library services for ethnic minorities – the Danish experience

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Library Management

ISSN: 0143-5124
Incorporates: Librarian Career Development

Online from: 1979

Subject Area: Library and Information Studies

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Document Information:
Title:	Recent trends in library services for ethnic minorities – the Danish experience
Author(s):	Ågot Berger, (Ågot Berger was formerly Consultant, Danish Central Library of Immigrant Literature, and is now Consultant, Statsbiblioteket, Aarhus, Denmark.)
Citation:	Ågot Berger, (2002) "Recent trends in library services for ethnic minorities – the Danish experience", Library Management, Vol. 23 Iss: 1/2, pp.79 - 87
Keywords:	Denmark, Equal opportunities, Library users, Minorities, Public libraries
Article type:	Research paper
DOI:	10.1108/01435120210413878 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	MCB UP Ltd
Abstract:	Outlines the experiences of the author in studying library services in multiethnic societies in several countries in Western Europe. This led to a comprehensive survey, carried out in 2001, into how the ethnic minorities in Denmark use public libraries. The historical context to immigration to Denmark and changing government policies are described, together with the development of public library services. The work of the Danish Central Library of Immigrant Literature is reviewed. The methodology and main findings are provided, together with recommendations. Two main lessons emerged: that public libraries have something both unique and essential to offer as a part of a national policy towards immigration and ethnic minorities; and that success lies in combining different service elements and ensuring that libraries are perceived and used as friendly meeting places.