A research-intervention with the Municipal Libraries of Rome as a place of social coexistence in the city: Librarians and clients’ expectations in comparison

Abstract

This paper explored the relationship between clients and Municipal Libraries of Rome, with attention to the role of libraries as places of social coexistence. In particular, the aim was to understand whether libraries are contexts based on inclusion assimilating differences or on integration oriented to know them. Two textual corpora were analyzed, which were obtained through both individual interviews to librarians and focus groups addressed to clients. The corpora were separately analyzed by AET, Emotional Text Analysis. According to AET emotions expressed by language are a key organizer of relationships. Integration and inclusion were both present, both in librarians and clients. Inclusion was combined with the transmission of knowledge and culture without innovation, with the individualistic appropriation of knowledge which redeems oneself from exclusion, with a feeling dealing with a dramatic absence of rules and culture. Integration was always combined with the production of knowledge, cultures and identities. This research study aims to provide potential criteria for recognizing, differentiating, relating and enhancing opportunities for inclusion and especially integration in the librarians-clients relationship.