Professional identity of public librarians, archivists, and museum professionals in five European countries

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the professional identity of Public Library, Archive, and Museum (LAM) professionals in Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Norway, and Sweden by administering three questionnaires.

Methodology: The data has been gathered via online questionnaires. A comprehensive analysis is conducted to explore the variations in the professionals’ perceptions of their professional proximities to the other LAM professions and related professions, considering demographic factors such as age, education, gender, and immigrant background of participants.

Findings: Through a lens of micro- and macro-professional identities, the findings underscore both perceived role separation between the LAM professions and notable points of convergence, suggesting opportunities for collaborative efforts. The implications of these discoveries are discussed, offering a foundation for future research endeavors.

Originality/value: The study highlights the professions perceived to have the most and least similarity to LAMs based on questionnaire responses, providing valuable insights into the interplay between various professional domains.