Jamie Johnston

Jamie Johnston is an Associate Professor at Oslo Metropolitan University (OsloMet) in the Department of Archivistics, Library and Information Science within the Faculty of Social Sciences. His research examines how libraries and cultural institutions promote social inclusion, civic engagement, and democratic participation through user-centered approaches.

Education:

• PhD in Library and Information Science from Oslo Metropolitan University (2017)
• MA in International Migration and Ethnic Relations from Malmö University (2014)
• MA in Information Resources and Library Science from University of Arizona (2010)
• BA in Library and Information Science from University of Iceland with minor in Spanish (2005)

Johnston's research investigates libraries' role in fostering intercultural dialogue, supporting integration, and contributing to the public sphere. His work particularly focuses on user participation and collaborative programming as mechanisms to address societal challenges and facilitate democratic processes. He aims to provide insights that optimize library practices for diverse communities, promote community building, and strengthen democratic resilience.

His publication record shows consistent focus on libraries' social functions, particularly regarding immigrant and refugee populations across Europe. His work spans theoretical frameworks and practical applications, often involving comparative studies across multiple countries.

Research Projects:

• Navigating the digital landscape: universities partnering for change (NIAGARA)
• Public libraries for immigrants and refugees (PubLIB)
• Baltic UKH urban knowledge hubs – Transformative societal spaces for hybrid libraries in the Baltic sea region

Johnston maintains active international collaborations, particularly with researchers across Europe, examining how libraries serve as community hubs for social inclusion and democratic participation in increasingly diverse societies.