Transformative spaces: The library as panopticon

  • Gary Paul Radford
  • , Marie Louise Radford
  • , Jessa Lingel

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper seeks to describe and understand the nature of library experiences that both conjure immersion in different worlds, and yet relate to the physical spaces in which they occur. What does the library space make possible and what does it prohibit? Using Foucault’s account of panopticism to unpack layers of surveillance, docility and agency within library sites, this paper seeks to gain a richer understanding of panopticism and the library as a social institution. A discussion of Foucault’s panopticism is followed by the identification of areas where application of his concept might be useful to scholars and practitioners seeking to understand the experience of library users in their interaction and encounters with information interfaces, both interpersonal and technological.

Original languageAmerican English
Title of host publicationTransforming Digital Worlds - 13th International Conference, iConference 2018, Proceedings
EditorsGobinda Chowdhury, Julie McLeod, Val Gillet, Peter Willett
PublisherSpringer Verlag
Pages684-692
Number of pages9
ISBN (Print)9783319781044
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Event13th International Conference on Transforming Digital Worlds, iConference 2018 - Sheffield, United Kingdom
Duration: Mar 25 2018Mar 28 2018

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume10766 LNCS

Other

Other13th International Conference on Transforming Digital Worlds, iConference 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CitySheffield
Period3/25/183/28/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

Keywords

  • Libraries
  • Michel foucault
  • Panopticon
  • Panopticonism

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