This study aims to examine in which ways the library of KvinnSam in Gothenburg contributes to gender studies. I examined how the work of KvinnSam can be viewed as a feminist project, what the work understands to be about and challenges that the library meets. Qualitative interviews with two librarians working at KvinnSam were performed, along with a one day visit. As a theoretical framework I used feminist theory, which is used in the analysis. A summary of earlier research and their methods is presented. The research of this study exhibited that the library may have an important role to play for further gender studies, and also in documenting records of women´s history. It was also discovered that the library experiences challenges in regards to legitimacy, often having to defend its existence. I have come to the conclusion that KvinnSam makes women more visible, and can therefore be seen as a feminist project, which seems to be the main focus within the work of KvinnSam.

KvinnSam is stated to have had an important role in laying the foundation of academic gender studies. The initial organization was founded relatively long before the subject entered the academic arena, which places the knowledge organization of the field prior to the authoritative demand for it. This study aims to analyze events, initiated by the library, significant to the academic establishment of gender research from a discursive perspective. By utilizing the concepts of documentality and legitimacy, and cognitive authority the analysis answers the question of what active function and significance the library has had in establishing the academic field of gender studies. The empirical material is gathered from the libraries own archives on historical women associations, published accounts of librarians engaged in the organization and articles and debate pieces published in media. The historical method used results in no produced material but a controlled selection based on the theoretical approach and the placement of the accounts in a contemporary context. The analysis results in a review of both the official and informal constitutive forms the library has been situated in and its effects on legitimacy. It also covers the relations to the academic sphere as cognitive authority and the process of making an uninstitutionalised subject field considered veracious science. The most valuable conclusions are the library’s function to describe and value knowledge and thereby declare their scientific relevance, as well as the discursive significance of stating the field as a possible research domain by creating an academic infrastructure for it.

The Swedish library institution of KvinnSam, has since its founding in 1958, had a pivotal role in establishment and advancement of research in gender studies. Since the establishment, the primary role and aim of said institution has been to promote research of women’s history. However, throughout the years, the functions to fulfil the role have changed. This bachelor thesis aims to outline the role and functions of KvinnSam during the early years of its organization, between 1958–1990. The study examines the differing perspective on KvinnSam’s role and function using institutional theory, particularly the concept of “organization as culture”. In addition, the study used a horizon of understanding of the phenomenon of archival and library. The findings reveal that the perceptions of KvinnSam’s functions have evolved over the years. In the 1960’s and early 1970’s, KvinnSam was primarily considered an archive, library and memory institution. By the 1980’s, KvinnSam was primarily considered a research institution. Moreover, significant internal conflicts arose from differing opinions among KvinnSam’s members regarding how to support women’s history research.