Jamie Johnston’s research emphasizes user participation and collaborative programming, focusing on how libraries and cultural institutions support knowledge exchange, foster community building, and address societal challenges, alongside the evolving skills and competencies of library and information professionals. She is a professor in the Information Science department at the University of Iceland, leads the library and information behavior program. She is originally from the US,but her work and education span across Iceland, the US, Sweden, and Norway. She is a member of the Bobcatsss board and is involved in preparations for the next conference, which will take place in January 2026 in Sibiu, Romania.
You’ve recently taken the lead of the library and information behavior program at the University of Iceland. How is your new position, and what are you dealing with?
We are a small department, so my primary focus is the library and information science education itself. My goal is to align the program here with what is being taught across the Nordic countries, while also incorporating input and insights from further abroad.
Before this, you worked at Oslo Metropolitan university. How was the transition between the two countries?
I’d been there for quite some years—fantastic and very formative years for my thinking. Initially, I went because Ragnar Audunson, my doctoral supervisor and later colleague, was highly interesting to me. I first heard about his work on meeting places and arenas for discussion at the Bobcatsss conference in Riga in 2004. At that time, I was a BA student here at the University of Iceland in LIS, and I instantly knew that was what I wanted to focus on.
I followed his work, completed a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science at the University of Arizona, and a second one in International Migrations and Ethnic Relations at Malmö University in Sweden. Then came the PhD. I reached out to Ragnar Audunson at OsloMet University, and , luckily, they had a position open. He encouraged me to apply, which took me to Oslo in 2014. Following the PhD, I began teaching at OsloMet in 2017. My time at OsloMet was very formative for my research and my current teaching here in Iceland.
It is a big transition, though, going from a department of 30-plus employees at Oslo Met to a department of only two full-time positions, plus an adjunct and guest lecturers. However, I see many opportunities for collaboration.
Collaboration and Outreach
What is your primary focus for collaboration?
I’m focusing on collaboration between different university departments, such as the Department of Anthropology and the Digital Humanities Center. Crucially, I’m working with libraries both in the capital area and further afield. We have projects underway with the National and University Library, which are merged here. We are also working closely with Reykjavik City Library on some of their programmes. We are constantly building that relationship so that practice informs education and education can inform practice. Recently, We co-hosted a seminar with the Nordic House Library on libraries serving as community hubs and promoting the 2030 Sustainable Agenda. It’s a lot to take on, balancing academic work with close ties to practice.
Given the merger of the National and University Library, how is your relationship with them?
A new national librarian was also recently hired so we are working to establish a close working relationship. My colleague and I recently submitted a Horizon application for research, with one of their librarians on the team. I am currently discussing with the National Librarian about how we can support student learning through internships, collaborate on research, and find opportunities for Master’s and doctoral students to focus their thesis topics on issues relevant to the institution. My hope is that we can be highly supportive of one another and have a strong, easy dialogue, like having each other on speed dial.
Are you in close contact with libraries across the country?
I am actively working on that. The program here is the only one in LIS for the entire country. It’s taught online and asynchronously, which allows us to have students from all over. This is vital, as 75% of Iceland’s population lives in the capital area, so we need to ensure we connect with and support our students and libraries living outside of it. My aim is to tour libraries around Iceland this spring to meet people, see the facilities, and explore collaboration on projects and library development.
Digital and Social Focus in LIS Education
Teaching online is not unusual in Iceland. Is there anything specific about LIS education being online?
The online portion was implemented early on because many of our students are already working professionals, sometimes leading libraries, who need access to formal education. The asynchronous approach works best for them, as they are often in more advanced stages of their careers (the average age of our students is 47, , many of whom are seeking a second degree) with busy schedules and responsibilities. The program is one of the few here that is entirely online, ensuring accessibility wherever and whenever they are available.
Is there anything specific to Iceland’s LIS education compared to other Nordic countries?
We see two strong needs, which we are working hard to address. First, there is a need to increase digital competencies for systems, data management, and information governance, as many students don’t feel reasonably confident in leading this work. We are addressing this through more practical coursework and collaboration with the Digital Humanities Center.
Second is the social aspect—the need for libraries, especially public ones, to be seen as meeting places, community hubs, and arenas for knowledge exchange and creation. Icelandic libraries, being smaller and having fewer bureaucratic structures, prioritize creative activities and experimentation in areas like intercultural work. This nimbleness allows them to quickly test things out, which we then work to put into a more theoretical or policy context. This ability to show what is being tested in practice is our unique contribution.
What about traditional librarianship skills, like cataloguing and organizing collections?
We are currently restructuring the education to merge the existing tracks into a core base with areas of specialization. This process, happening now, will ensure that core skills related to cataloguing and knowledge organization are taught every year. We are holding discussions with the cataloguing division of the Library Association to ensure we cover not just library cataloguing, but potentially also archives and museums, considering the introduction of new systems like Museum Plus. It’s an exciting time to revive and develop this course to meet current demands, including developments in AI, and address the linguistic and cultural aspects of knowledge organization particular to the Icelandic context.
Libraries and Community Resilience
Do you think libraries play an important role in supporting digital and mental resilience?
In terms of digital resilience, academic and research libraries are active in supporting effective use of technology and digital literacy among students. Public libraries focus more on the social aspect of the digital through maker spaces and activities like creating podcasts.
For mental health and overall resilience, libraries are addressing loneliness and isolation by providing social infrastructure and creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Examples include social reading, knitting groups, and a project involving writing love letters—positive, supportive words to others or themselves. These activities are key to building community resilience by ensuring people come together and connect.
The Library as an Employer
How are libraries looking after their people who work in them?
I see a very positive culture. The care libraries show for their communities is often mirrored internally for their employees through strong social activities—celebrating holidays, having outings like pottery classes, or organizing hikes. The care work goes outwards, but also inwards. In terms of work-life balance, good practices are supported, and employees are encouraged to rest after overtime.
Is library work a popular career path?
There is a renewed interest, partly because libraries are seen not just as storehouses but as living community hubs with new, exciting activities. This energy is drawing in a few younger people and creating renewed enthusiasm among professionals. There is a strong professional community, which is very attractive, as people feel they are part of something bigger and supportive.
Does Iceland’s leadership in equal opportunities apply to libraries? Is there a remaining pay gap?
I don’t know the exact data on the pay gap, but I would be surprised if there were a big one. It is a female-dominated profession, as in other countries, and we see women in leadership positions across libraries, including the City Librarian. There is also a push to achieve gender balance, as opposed to the dynamic in some other countries where management positions skew male.
Personal Work-Life Balance and Culture
How do you look after yourself?
The university has a very healthy culture. Although academic life is known for heavy workloads, I see a nice balance. People keep normal hours, are encouraged to eat lunch together, and incorporate healthy practices into their daily routines. Many colleagues go for walks, or even take a dip in the sea nearby during lunch, or visit the outdoor pools in the morning. We also have a weekend hiking group. This support for good, healthy practices is important, especially when the long, dark winters make it harder to get out of the house.
Was it difficult to get used to Icelandic culture as a foreigner?
It is an adjustment due to the country of extremes—the almost 24-hour daylight or darkness, and the extreme weather. Initially, Islanders can be reserved, making it hard to find a way in. However, once you get past that, they are wonderful, warm, and kind people. The social networks are very tight-knit. The easiest way to break in is through the workplace or hobbies (like joining a running club). Once you are part of a team or a group, you are brought in warmly and feel like you’re part of a community.
Visit to Prague
And you’ve also recently visited Prague and Opava. How was your visit? Did you enjoy it?
It was amazing. Prague is such a fantastic city. I’m still thinking about exploring the streets, seeing the beautiful buildings, and the different districts. I am also currently reading The Secret of Secrets and I love it because I can picture the scenes in my mind and learn more about the city as I read.
What I particularly enjoyed was the opportunity to visit libraries and witness the range from the beautiful, exquisite Baroque libraries to the very modern ones. It was fantastic to see this whole history, this rich history related to reading and knowledge, and to see the work being done, getting a sense of the preservation and redevelopment happening there. I also enjoyed meeting students in Opava. It left wonderful impressions and memories.
And we will meet again in Romania in January. It seems that Bobcatsss conferences have been with you throughout your career?
Bobcatsss conferences helped shape my interests at the beginning and connected me with important people who influenced my professional direction. I definitely recommend students and librarians to participate in such events, where they can find inspiration, learn and meet new people. Bobcatsss takes place every year, and I hope to see you in Sibiu in January.
Conducted by MICHAELA DOMBROVSKÁ