The reason for such a collaborative
venture became clear when one of the
project delegates showed concern
about the cutbacks of media acquisitions
facing libraries, so “why not let
people submit their own work”? Since
then they have not looked back.

From modest beginnings as a minor
project with five Demoteks, initiated by
Reaktor Sydost, a resource centre for
filmmaking and young communication
in the Swedish counties of Kronoberg,
Kalmar and Blekinge, there are today
over sixty Demoteks across the
country, from Ystad in the south to
Luleå in the north.

The Demotek framework is that of a
delivery and lending station of personal
creations. But most Demoteks
arrange gigs, workshops, exhibitions
and screenings. It is about libraries
being brave enough to think in new
ways and to show courage in receiving
a new generation who might have discarded
the library in favour of something
else.

The perfect library

What characterises the libraries that are
part of the Demotek project is their
resourcefulness and interest in trying
out new youth activities. Most members
of the Demotek network want to
participate in attracting people to use
library resources in more fulfilling
ways and making them visible. Unfortunately,
this appears to be nothing but
wishful thinking.

The project is occasionally prone to
problems despite there being so many
extremely clever Demoteks who really
try to realise the dream, but there are
also libraries that are exceedingly sluggish.
This might be due to numerous
factors, such as lacking in resources
(hardly a surprise to most of us), a
sense of vulnerability when facing a
‘difficult group of young people’;management
might not be hip enough to
what is happening or they make unrealistic
demands. It goes without saying
that this will lessen a sense of willingness
and motivational force. This is to
be expected.

However, those of us in the project
keep insisting on what we have said so
many times before: It is not about money.
Willpower and motivational force
are the crucial ingredients, the ability
to break new ground. To us, this is the
most important of issues facing future
library leadership.

Reduce the generation gap

Another apparent problem facing the
Demoteks is the generational gap –
there is a lack of understanding about
each other’s everyday reality and an
inability to meet on common ground.
Technical hindrances are also a common
occurrence.

The project has invited young people
to the library offering them an opportunity
to teach the library staff about
their ‘digital everyday reality’. This has
been much appreciated and not just on
a technical level but as an attempt to
reduce the gap between generations. A
bonding process appears, mutual
understanding and the ability to sit
down together and enjoy each other’s
company in laughter and learning.

There are still adults who view young
people’s computer habits as a waste of
time. Headgear and skateboards in a
library are unimaginable. No mobiles
are allowed and silence shall reign
supreme! Or, is it only young people
who think that it must be quiet and
that the wearing of headgear is off
limits?

What young people can do for libraries?

Prejudice and ignorance are everywhere.
To be active and elevate these
issues whereby they are discussed is of
great importance. Not only so that activities
at the Demoteks can function
smoothly but to reach a better understanding
of each other and install a
sense of faith. A positive attitude will
open the library doors toward discovery
for many. It is important to remember
that it is not only about what
libraries can do for young people, but
what young people can do for libraries.

Let the entrepreneurial
spirit into the library!

It is hardly a common-day occurrence
when a group of youngsters suggest
having fun at the library. This is where
the Demotek has an important role to
play. Once the local Demotek has arranged
a gig or a workshop on, for
instance, cover designs, it becomes
more likely that they will come to think
in such terms. Most of the time the
younger generation has no idea whatsoever
as to what a library can offer,
both with regard to content and
premises. This is where we all have a
joint responsibility.

Our opinion is that libraries have very
little idea as to how they should market
themselves. Especially as to how they
should reach out to younger people.
Occasionally we hear about an enterprising
library arranging courses for its
staff in marketing. Brilliant! More of
the entrepreneurial spirit in the library!

Coming to terms with young people

Another important question in this
context is how to create something
based on coming to terms with young
people. Is the Demotek something
young people can relate to? Had it not
been better with a website along the
lines of U-tube or Myspace? Well,
maybe, but there are so many of them.
Sometimes things need to be done
which have not been thought of before.
To open doors that no one knew of.

Would it not be cool if adults found it
as natural as young people to connect
to Lunarstorm or the above-mentioned
music and video sites? We would be
more than happy to encourage them.
The internet is a part of the public
space, but there are other factors involved.
Personal meetings and conversations
are still important to us even
though they may take place in digital
form.

The Demotek is also a physical entity
(though the online catalogue lends it a
digital aspect as well) because it needs
to be. And all those gigs, workshops,
exhibitions and everything submitted
by young people since the beginning
speak volumes about the need of the
physical aspect despite the digital age
we live in. One can view it as the digital
coming out of the closet and more are
given an opportunity to discover it.
Young people are fully aware of this,
the need to be seen and heard in many
different media in order to succeed.

Even if far from everyone nurtures
dreams of superstardom there is nevertheless
a strong sense of wanting to be
recognised. “See me, hear me, and
listen to what I have to say”! And this I
believe to be something everyone can
identify with. It is about tales, stories,
observations and reflections from
everyday life. How else can we understand
each other if we do not use these
to communicate?

Ida Qvarnström
Demotek project leader
ida@Demoteket.se

Translation: Jonathan Pearman