Radford, G.P.; Radford, M.L.; Lingel, J.: ¬The library as heterotopia : Michel Foucault and the experience of library space (2015)
0.01
0.012841367 = product of:
0.05136547 = sum of:
0.05136547 = weight(_text_:library in 2140) [ClassicSimilarity], result of:
0.05136547 = score(doc=2140,freq=10.0), product of:
0.1317883 = queryWeight, product of:
2.6293786 = idf(docFreq=8668, maxDocs=44218)
0.050121464 = queryNorm
0.38975742 = fieldWeight in 2140, product of:
3.1622777 = tf(freq=10.0), with freq of:
10.0 = termFreq=10.0
2.6293786 = idf(docFreq=8668, maxDocs=44218)
0.046875 = fieldNorm(doc=2140)
0.25 = coord(1/4)
- 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.
