Practical implications of the Serious Leisure perspective in fostering transformative partnership across the GLAM sector

Introduction/Background: Serious Leisure (SL) includes hobbies, voluntary activities, and amateurism, which require passion and perseverance and has the potential to turn into a career. SL enthusiasts continually need to deepen their knowledge and skills in their chosen leisure pursuits; they engage in lifelong learning and rely on information sources and services offered by the GLAM sector. Therefore, they are among the most passionate supporters of the industry. Besides, they generate substantial information related to their areas of interest, and their expertise contributes to knowledge creation through various avenues such as Citizen Science projects.
Aims: This paper aims to demonstrate how the Serious Leisure Perspective (SLP) can inform and transform partnership policies and practices within the GLAM sector. Moreover, it explains the practical capacities of the SLP to foster creativity and community engagement.
Methods/Processes: The SLP is the theoretical framework of this paper that enabled the researcher to conceptualise various aspects of SL pursuits. The author also reflected on his ongoing research program on the informational aspects of the SLP. Moreover, the author reviewed the literature in this area and used a thematic analysis method to identify common themes and trends.
Findings: The SLP can inform and transform the partnership policies and practices within the GLAM sector in at least three primary ways. Firstly, information professionals can benefit from SL enthusiasts’ expertise and their unique perspectives to foster creativity and inspiration. Secondly, they can seek partnerships with local clubs and communities in various SL fields, such as arts and sports. This partnership includes a broad range of activities, spanning from volunteering to partnership in hosting cultural events or running workshops. Thirdly, it can extend their domain of action from information providers to vibrant cultural hubs that can enrich and empower their communities by facilitating meaningful leisure experiences.
Conclusion/Implications: The SLP is a theoretical framework with many capacities for practical implications. By embracing this theory, GLAM institutions position themselves as dynamic community hubs that meet their users’ evolving needs. Moreover, the sector can create inclusive and vibrant spaces that encourage meaningful connections and lifelong learning opportunities by supporting SL activities and facilitating community building.