Fandom as an instrument of cultural action: participatory productivity and sharing in Brazilian public libraries

Abstract

Brazilian public libraries are often regarded as warehouses that serve only a select part of society. In contrast, fandoms consist of individuals with common interests, and their members collaborate in their activities. This article aims to examine the relation of fandoms to Brazilian public libraries and to determine, after data analysis, whether fandoms’ activities are applicable to these institutions. This study has descriptive and exploratory character and takes both qualitative and quantitative approaches. For data collection, a questionnaire was applied by means of Google Forms. The method of analysis was categorical content analysis based on a structured content study. The results showed that 59% of respondents weren’t familiar with the concept of fandom, 82% believed that there was a demand for new library activities and 84% believed that it was possible to develop fandom’s activities with just the current resources. Fandom activities are directly related to reading, writing and to the development of several important skills, such as information and digital literacies. Therefore, the implementation of such activities in public libraries, besides encouraging the use of the space it represents, can engage readers and the community and promote sociability, thereby becoming an instrument of social transformation.