Introduction: Libraries, archives, and museums in transition

In encyclopedias, libraries, archives, and museums (LAMs) are basically defined as collections with public access. Libraries collect published documents, archives consist of other kinds of documents or records, while museums are preoccupied with objects. However, the relations between LAMs are constantly changing. The aim of the introduction is to describe the purpose of the book; highlight some of the important relations between libraries, archives, and museums in a historical context; and illustrate how the Scandinavian LAMs are shaped by ideas and practices related to enlightenment, the nation state, modernity, and democracy. Finally, the introduction will present the main themes of the book: The historical perspective, the collections, and the common challenges.