The aim of this master’s thesis is to examine the roles ofthree different public libraries in three differentcommunities. In order to get some answers about the roles ofthe public libraries I have used the following questions: Howis the local cultural policy formulated? How is the locallibrary structured? What or which profiles has the publiclibraries in the three communities?I have made three qualitative case-studies in three differentcommunities. These three communities are somewhatlocated in the same area in order to identify any cooperationbetween them. The communities differ in sizes so that thereis a possibility to identify if the roles of the public librarydiffer according to population.I have used an analysis model created by MarianneAndersson and Dorte Skot-Hansen as my theoretical base.The model categorises the function of the public library infour different, yet overlapping centres; as a cultural centre,as a knowledge centre, as an information centre and as asocial centre.The analytical findings show that each of the three differentpublic libraries can be identified with all four functions ofthe theoretical model, however in different degrees. The firstlibrary is more distinct as a cultural centre, the second libraryis most distinct as a knowledge centre and the third is mostdistinct as a social centre. The libraries have got differentnumbers of cooperative partners. Cooperation is viewed asimportant by all three libraries, mostly by the economicaland inspirational contributions they provide. Cooperationalso makes the libraries more visible in their respective localcommunities. / Program: Bibliotekarie

The aim of this bachelor's thesis is to examine the roles of the mobile library in Västerås municipality in Sweden. The purpose is to gain understanding about the mobile library and its place in the local public library operation. The theoretical framework is the model for analysis of the local public library profile, produced by Marianne Andersson and Dorte Skot-Hansen. Qualitative interviews are put in comparison with the four overlapping categories included in said model: the role as a cultural centre, knowledge centre, information centre and social centre. The results show that each of the four roles was recognized to some degree, though the roles as cultural centre and social centre were somewhat prominent. The respondents mainly highlighted the lack of information technology and the limited physical space as the major holdbacks for development opportunities in all categories. The findings are discussed along with their relations to national and local policy documents.