The development of democracy in a digital and politicised era
My research has two main strands. The first focuses on digital inclusion, while the second examines the pressures and politicisation faced by library staff.
Pressure and politicisation in libraries
Pressure and politicisation affecting public officials are growing problems in several areas of the public sector. This is concerning, particularly if it causes officials to change their decisions or refrain from providing certain information or services. Libraries are guided by democratic and educational missions but there are signs that they are facing pressure from both members of the public and political actors. When library staff are subjected to pressure, it can be difficult to maintain an arm’s-length relationship between administration and politics. By studying, drawing attention to and encouraging discussion of tendencies towards pressure and politicisation, I aim to contribute actively to transparency and professionalism in the library sector. This research is conducted within the research programme “Public Institutions at Arm’s Length: Guarantors of the Survival and Development of Democracy”.
Digital exclusion
Our society is becoming increasingly digitalized, while many people rarely or never use the internet. What does this imply for their sense of participation in society more broadly? I study digital inclusion through case studies of how frontline public officials - so-called street-level bureaucrats - perceive their discretion and their roles when working to promote citizens’ digital inclusion. To provide a broader perspective, I have studied public officials from several areas of the public sector, including schools, healthcare and libraries.
