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

摘要

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to present the work of a multicultural memory group in arnNorwegian public library. The project aims to establish the library as a physical meeting place forrnpeople from different cultures, and thus facilitate integration, common understanding and trust.rnDesign/methodology/approach - The method of unstructured participating observation is used inrnstudying the group's work, while the method of reminiscence work is used in the group itself. Thernpaper describes and discusses both of these methods.rnFindings - The library definitely provides an arena for meetings between people from differentrncultures. The consequences of the project are network building, increased language skills among thernimmigrants participating, stronger feelings of belonging, increased trust and self-confidence. However,rnthis regular activity initiated by the library did not succeed until a connection to another organizedrnactivity, the local language school, was established.rnResearch limitations/implications - Because closeness and a certain emotional involvement arernimportant conditions for the group to succeed, there might be a danger of less research objectivity.rnPractical implications - The memory group might be a model for similar work in other publicrnlibraries in multicultural communities.rnOriginality/value - Using the library as an arena for reminiscence work among immigrants is new.