From consciousness to actions: shaping the library consciousness of ethnic minorities with an actor-network theory approach

Abstract

Introduction. Ethnic minorities (EMs) are a significant focus for public libraries striving to enhance more inclusive, egalitarian and sustainable services. Despite the availability of library services to EMs, their engagement in libraries is still relatively low, which can be further attributed to the lack of library consciousness.

Method. This study selected City L, an autonomous city for EMs located in the southwest of China, as the research site to explore the human and nonhuman actors of EMs’ library consciousness. The ethnographic method was conducted through a 12-month longitudinal observation and engagement in City L. A total of 35 government officials and librarians, as well as 128 EM residents, were interviewed.

Analysis and Results. Adopting actor-network theory as an approach, the thematic analysis reveals the interactive relationship and translation process between human and nonhuman heterogeneous actors (including cultural traditions, education levels, information acquisition channels, economic conditions, EM residents, librarians and government officials) in the establishment of EMs’ library consciousness.

Conclusions. Cultural traditions were positioned as the focal actor due to their influence on EMs’ knowledge acquisition processes. Based on the findings, stakeholders in EMs’ library services can take corresponding actions to shape EMs’ library consciousness.