Exploring culture war related attacks on public libraries: results from a pilot study on information activities of the far-right

Abstract

Introduction. This paper reports initial findings from a research project focusing on how information activities of the far-right promoting ideologically motivated pressure and threats against cultural institutions develop, spread and unfold, the logic governing these attacks and how they affect public libraries and librarians.

Method and analysis. The project employs the theoretical framework of practice theory and a netnographic approach. The paper outlines the project and reports the outcomes of a pilot study using data-driven digital methods and content analysis to analyse digital interactions from a Swedish far-right media outlet.

Results. The findings from the pilot study indicate that online information activities of the far-right display a view of public libraries as leftist and as potential threats to the nation, echoing ethnic nationalism and authoritarian views commonly associated with the far-right.

Conclusions. Indications that librarians, as civil servants, are increasingly the target of ideologically driven threats and antagonisms warrant further scholarly attention. The pilot study reflects how quantitative procedures are necessary for the analysis of large amounts of data, but the functionality of the digital methods need to be tested and adjusted according to context, and qualitative approaches are necessary for a nuanced and contextual understanding.