Radford, G.P.; Radford, M.L.; Lingel, J.: ¬The library as heterotopia : Michel Foucault and the experience of library space (2015)
0.01
0.00810253 = product of:
0.01620506 = sum of:
0.01620506 = product of:
0.03241012 = sum of:
0.03241012 = weight(_text_:p in 2140) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
0.03241012 = score(doc=2140,freq=2.0), product of:
0.1359764 = queryWeight, product of:
3.5955126 = idf(docFreq=3298, maxDocs=44218)
0.037818365 = queryNorm
0.23835106 = fieldWeight in 2140, product of:
1.4142135 = tf(freq=2.0), with freq of:
2.0 = termFreq=2.0
3.5955126 = idf(docFreq=3298, maxDocs=44218)
0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2140)
0.5 = coord(1/2)
0.5 = coord(1/2)
- Abstract
- Purpose Using Michel Foucault's notion of heterotopia as a guide, the purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of considering the library as place, and specifically as a place that has the "curious property of being in relation with all the other sites, but in such a way as to suspect, neutralize, or invent the set of relations that they happen to designate, mirror, or reflect" (Foucault, 1986a, p. 24). Design/methodology/approach The paper draws upon a range of literary examples and from biographical accounts of authors such as Alan Bennett, Michel Foucault, and Umberto Eco to show how the library space operates as a heterotopia. Findings The paper finds that drawing together the constructs of heterotopia and serendipity can enrich the understanding of how libraries are experienced as sites of play, creativity, and adventure. Originality/value Foucault's concept of heterotopia is offered as an original and useful frame that can account for the range of experiences and associations uniquely attached to the library.