This bachelor's thesis takes a deep dive into the history of the public library in Borås. The plans, thoughts, decisions, and ideas that shaped the public library during the years 1930-1962 and 2022-2024 were analyzed. We are interested in exploring the changes of an important institution in our society; what is new, what has been preserved, and what has been phased out. Change is inevitable – things come and go, and new issues arise that demand attention. How is this change reflected within the library? That is the central question of this research.

Through document analysis, research was conducted on meeting protocols and business plans. By using thematic analysis, themes were identified that highlight comparisons and the prominent focus areas of each time period. The theory of historical institutionalism was utilized to analyze institutional change over time. 

The findings suggest that during the 1930s-1960s, the primary focus of the public library was institutionalization. The documents indicate that much effort was directed toward establishing a foundation for the library as an organization. In contrast, the documents from the 2020s reveal a focus on development and adaptation – how to better engage users, respond to major societal changes, and enhance the library as a welcoming meeting place.