I am a doctoral student in Library and Information Science since september 1, 2021. The focus of my dissertation project is on the identities of academic libraries in relation to their collections. More specifically, I am interested in how the identities of academic libraries are expressed by leaders at Swedish higher education institutions and academic libraries, and to what extent—and in what ways—the collections are used for this purpose. I also examine whether, and if so how, the collection is used as a tool to legitimize the libraries' activities both within and beyond the institution in question.

My dissertation project stems from my experience working as a librarian; I began to reflect on how academic libraries can be understood and what their defining characteristics might be, but also why we in the library sector so rarely discussed the libraries' collections. I now have the privilege of exploring these questions in depth as part of my doctoral studies. Within my project, I meet with vice chancellor representatives and library directors at Swedish higher education institutions and listen to how they view the role of libraries today, what they describe as potential threats to library operations, what significance the library’s organizational placement within the institution may have for its governance, and above all, the role that collections play in shaping the identities of academic libraries.

As for the theoretical framework, I utilize organizational identity as described by Albert & Whetten, institutional theory with an emphasis on legitimacy, and document theory. Data collection is conducted through a survey and interviews. The survey targeted all Swedish academic libraries and was conducted in 2023. Interviews were carried out in autumn 2024 and spring 2025 with vice chancellor representatives and library directors at a selection of Swedish higher education institutions.

I am writing a monograph in Swedish, and the dissertation defense is planned for the end of 2026.

Previous Experience

Before beginning my doctoral studies, I worked as a librarian at the University of Borås Library from 2009 to 2021. From 2007 to 2009, I worked as an administrative officer at the then Department of Education at the University of Borås. During the academic years 2005/2006 and 2006/2007, I was a full-time remunerated student representative at the Student Union in Borås, where I held the role of Vice President and Head of Education. I also hold a Master’s degree (awarded in 2005) in Library and Information Science from the University of Borås.

Researcher's publications in DiVA (Digitala Vetenskapliga Arkivet)