About
EDUCATION
2017 PhD Oslo Metropolitan University, Library and Information Science
2014 MA Malmö University, International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER)
2010 MA University of Arizona, Information Resources and Library Science (MLIS)
2005 BA University of Iceland, Library and Information Science, minor in Spanish
RESEARCH INTERESTS
My research examines how libraries and cultural institutions promote social inclusion, civic engagement, and democratic participation. Through empirical studies and theoretical insights, I investigate their role in fostering intercultural dialogue, supporting integration, and contributing to the public sphere, while assessing the professional skills and role implications for library professionals. My overarching aim is to gain insights into how library services based on user participation and collaborative programming can address societal challenges and facilitate democratic processes. Additionally, I aim to provide insights that optimize library practices and policies to enhance service delivery to diverse communities, promote community building, and strengthen democratic resilience.
Fields of study
Academic disciplines
Library and information science
Research groups
Research projects
Ongoing research projects
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Baltic UKH urban knowledge hubs – Transformative societal spaces for hybrid libraries in the Baltic sea region
The aim of the project is to provide public authorities and others with tools and methods for the participatory design of accessible and attractive informational spaces and services.
-
Navigating the digital landscape: universities partnering for change (NIAGARA)
The project aims to enhance digital resources within university libraries across Tanzania and Zambia, ensuring equal access to library services for all students and staff.
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Public libraries for immigrants and refugees (PubLIB)
This project consists of an international research group dedicated to studying how public libraries address the needs of recently arrived refugees and immigrants.
Publications and research
Scientific publications
Johnston, Jamie
; Green, Miriam-Marie; Reuter, Katja; Piščikova, Viktorija; Derksen, Benjamin; Eigenbrodt, Olaf; Aue, Stefan; Babra, Andra Marta; Babris, Matijs; Dalsgaard Krag, Susanne; Hansen, Lars; Zeuner, Martin Hauge; Müller-Laackman, Jonas; Johnsen, Solveig
(2025).
Engaging Users in Creating the Next Library Space: Innovative and Experimental Design.
o-bib. Das offene Bibliotheksjournal.
https://doi.org/10.5282/o-bib/6091
Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood
;
Johnston, Jamie
; Rydbeck, Kerstin;
Vårheim, Andreas
; Huvila, Isto; Tóth, Máté; Pálsdóttir, Ágústa; Mierzecka, Anna
(2024).
Professional identity of public librarians, archivists, and museum professionals in five European countries.
Journal of Documentation.
https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-03-2024-0060
Johnston, Jamie
; Mierzecka, Anna; Tóth, Máté; Paul, Magdalena; Kisilowska-Szurmińska, Małgorzata;
Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood
;
Vårheim, Andreas
; Rydbeck, Kerstin; Jochumsen, Henrik; Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Casper; Pálsdóttir, Ágústa; Olson, Anna; Skare, Roswitha; Mathiasson, Mia
(2024).
Public libraries’ role in supporting Ukrainian refugees: A focus on Hungary and Poland.
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science.
https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006241259490
Toth, Mate; Rasmussen, Casper Hvenegaard;
Vårheim, Andreas
;
Johnston, Jamie
;
Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood
(2024).
Librarians, archivists, and museum professionals’ role perceptions and cross sectoral collaboration – Signs of convergence?.
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science.
https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006241245101
Igarashi, Tomoya;
Johnston, Jamie
; Koizumi, Masanori
(2024).
Community Members’ Perspective on Public Libraries as Places to Overcome Social Divisions: A Case Study in Oslo.
Sserwanga, Isaac; Joho, Hideo; Ma, Jie; Hansen, Preben; Wu, Dan; Koizumi, Masanori (Ed.).
Wisdom, Well-Being, Win-Win. p. 322-337.
Springer.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-57860-1_22
Tveit, Åse Kristine
;
Johnston, Jamie
(2023).
Talking about picturebooks in libraries’ language cafes.
Journal of Librarianship and Information Science.
https://doi.org/10.1177/09610006231173681
Igarashi, Tomoya; Koizumi, Masanori;
Johnston, Jamie
(2023).
Public Library Programming and Events for Overcoming Social Divisions.
Libri.
https://doi.org/10.1515/libri-2023-0014
Johnston, Jamie
; Huvila, Isto; Jochumsen, Henrik;
Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood
; Mierzecka, Anna; Pálsdóttir, Ágústa
(2023).
LAM professionals' roles and attitudes to user participation in Norway and Sweden.
Library & Information Science Research.
Vol. 45.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lisr.2023.101249
Jochumsen, Henrik;
Johnston, Jamie
;
Vårheim, Andreas
(2022).
Pursuing sustainable futures through LAMs.
Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Casper; Rydbeck, Kerstin; Larsen, Håkon (Ed.).
Libraries, Archives, and Museums in Transition: Changes,
Challenges, and Convergence in a Scandinavian Perspective. p. 215-229.
Routledge.
https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003188834-19
Rydbeck, Kerstin;
Johnston, Jamie
; Pálsdóttir, Ágústa;
Khosrowjerdi, Mahmood
;
Vårheim, Andreas
;
Audunson, Ragnar Andreas
; Hvenegaard Rasmussen, Casper; Jochumsen, Henrik
(2022).
Social reading and the public sphere in Nordic public libraries: a comparative study.
7 p.
Information research.
Vol. 27 .
https://doi.org/10.47989/colis2234
