Library profession between Italy and Europe: a qualitative study to identify insights and good practices

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a qualitative research project on the library profession, conducted from a comparative perspective between Italy and selected Northern European countries. The study originates from the need to reflect on the role, skills, and working conditions of librarians in relation to the profound transformations currently affecting contemporary public libraries, particularly in light of new library projects under development in Italy. The research was designed using the Grounded Theory approach and is based on semi-structured interviews with the directors of four European libraries considered models of innovation: Arendal (Norway), Malmö (Sweden), the OBA in Amsterdam (the Netherlands), and Oodi in Helsinki (Finland). Data analysis, carried out using CAQDAS software, made it possible to identify a wide range of significant themes concerning education and training, professional skills, work organization, the social role of libraries, relationships with local communities, and employment conditions. The findings highlight the presence of multidisciplinary staff structures, the centrality of flexibility and teamwork, the importance of professional associations and trade unions, as well as the absence of job insecurity in the contexts examined. The comparison with the Italian situation allows for the identification of critical issues as well as useful insights and good practices for rethinking the library profession from an international and social perspective, oriented towards the well-being of both communities and professionals.