“Why should the library collect immigrants' memories?”: A study of a multicultural memory group at a public library in Oslo

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the work of a multicultural memory group in a Norwegian public library. The project aims to establish the library as a physical meeting place for people from different cultures, and thus facilitate integration, common understanding and trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The method of unstructured participating observation is used in studying the group's work, while the method of reminiscence work is used in the group itself. The paper describes and discusses both of these methods.

Findings

The library definitely provides an arena for meetings between people from different cultures. The consequences of the project are network building, increased language skills among the immigrants participating, stronger feelings of belonging, increased trust and self‐confidence. However, this regular activity initiated by the library did not succeed until a connection to another organized activity, the local language school, was established.

Research limitations/implications

Because closeness and a certain emotional involvement are important conditions for the group to succeed, there might be a danger of less research objectivity.

Practical implications

The memory group might be a model for similar work in other public libraries in multicultural communities.

Originality/value

Using the library as an arena for reminiscence work among immigrants is new.

Citation

Ulvik, S. (2010), "“Why should the library collect immigrants' memories?”: A study of a multicultural memory group at a public library in Oslo", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 3/4, pp. 154-160. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011027655