Attitudes towards internationalisation in the library sector: the case of Danish librarians and library managers

This paper contains an analysis of the international orientation among Danish librarians and directors. The empirical base for the paper is two comprehensive surveys of librarians and directors. Through cluster analysis, in total, four groups of librarians and directors are formed with a distinctly different international or non‐international orientation and the differences between the groups are characterised. The discussion of the results takes place in relation to Hofstede’s theory of cultural differences. Parts of his theory can be confirmed through the analysis, and it is evident that a specific Scandinavian leadership style exists, with which library managers conform. It is demonstrated that internationally‐oriented librarians differ from non‐internationally‐ or nationally‐oriented librarians in some of their attitudes towards unions and the role of the library in society.