INFORMATION AND MEMORY

NARRATIVES IN PUBLIC LIBRARIES, THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS, AND TRAINING

Abstract

Public libraries play an essential role in preserving and promoting culture and maintaining the collective memory of a society. Thus, working with narratives and recognising their potential as valuable tools for recording and sharing the experiences and lives of communities contributes to the recognition of the differences that make up social identities. This research is a partial result of the Extension Project ‘Community of Practices in Public Libraries: theoretical and practical trajectories for the construction of historical, identity and memory narratives of popular libraries in the communities of the Municipality of Niterói-RJ’, funded by the Rio de Janeiro State Research Support Foundation (FAPERJ). It seeks to strengthen the relationship between libraries and communities, promoting the appreciation of local histories and fostering the construction of narratives that reinforce collective identity within institutions. In recent years, the development of research-extension projects has grown in Brazil, especially those that encourage data collection from socially vulnerable communities. The use of applied oral history has proven to be an effective strategy for affirming community ethos through memory narratives, revealing elements and aspects that are present in the links between institutions and the communities they serve. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of social, cultural, and identity dynamics, contributing to the strengthening of a sense of belonging and appreciation of local experiences for the construction of identities. However, the application of applied oral history faces challenges (e.g., scarcity of resources, the need for specialised training, resistance from some groups to share their stories, experiences and life stories). Factors influence the conduct of interviews and the collection of narratives, requiring specific strategies to overcome such barriers. The problem that guides the research is: How are training courses developed with a view to the methodological trajectories that underpin the theoretical-practical path in the construction of historical, identity and memory narratives of the popular libraries of the municipality of Niterói–RJ? This reflection raises a secondary question: what is the importance of memory narratives today, especially in the context of public libraries? The overall objective is to present an academic essay with theoretical and methodological reflections on information and narratives in public libraries, highlighting the importance of training processes, with the Community of Practice Protocol in Public Libraries (COPB). The specific objectives are: to discuss the concept of memory and experience; to reflect on the meanings of narration in Benjamin and Han; to articulate theoretical-methodological arguments linking the technical procedures used in extension research. The research is justified by working with components that align information, memory, and narrative, analysed by the COPB Protocol, considering oral history applied to information practices. This theoretical movement strengthens the dialogical interaction between the fields of Social Memory and Information Science. The present extension research focuses on investigating how the records of experiences and life stories, through the application of the Community of Practice Protocol in Public Libraries (COPB) – Applied Oral History, can promote new forms of understanding, training, and positioning of public libraries. It was also necessary to develop a Memory Policy for libraries. The theoretical-methodological model was developed based on the concept of Community of Practice by Wenger (1998; 2002; 2010); Snyder, Wenger and Sousa Briggs (2003); Wenger, McDermott and Snyder (2002). The concept of COP, combined with the perspective of information practices, is highlighted by Savolainen (1995), Cox (2008), Isah (2012), Harlan (2012), Gandra (2017) and Tanus, Berti and Rocha (2022). Thus, the full text will address: theoretical basis, methodology; the elements that make up the theoretical-methodological reflections and possible considerations arising from the study. The theoretical basis is structured around the following concepts: a) Memory as a transdisciplinary field and as a social phenomenon; b) Memory in its productive sense; c) Memory as experiences, life lessons and self-creation; d) Memory as oral history.  To support the discussions and reflections, it was necessary to use these four markers that delimit one of the sections present in the theoretical contribution of the extension research as a whole. The theoretical framework presents the perspectives on memory of Jô Gondar (2005); Gilles Deleuze (1997; 1999); Melo (2015); Deleuze and Guattari (2010); perspectives on narration presented in the works of Walter Benjamin (2012) and Byung-Chul Han (2023); and indications on applied oral history emphasised by Meihy and Seawright (2021). The reflections presented throughout this research highlight the importance of understanding public libraries as living spaces for the construction and mediation of memories, identities, and collective knowledge. By articulating theory and practice through the Community of Practice Protocol in Public Libraries (COPB), supported by applied oral history, it was possible to show that local narratives are not only ways of recording the past, but also powerful instruments of cultural affirmation, belonging, and community engagement. However, the study also revealed important challenges, such as the need for resources, continuing education, and methodological sensitivity to deal with the complexities inherent in collective memories. Overcoming such obstacles requires political and ethical commitment on the part of the institutions and professionals involved. In short, this work reaffirms the strategic role of public libraries in constructing social narratives and preserving memories that resist erasure. Strengthening these practices, especially in areas marked by inequality, is a fundamental step towards consolidating public policies on memory, reading and information that are more inclusive, dialogical and committed to local realities.