Structuralism, post‐structuralism, and the library: de Saussure and Foucault
Abstract
Purpose
Explores the relevance of structuralism and post‐structuralism to the field of library and information science (LIS).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a literature‐based conceptual analysis of the two philosophical movements, structuralism and post‐structuralism, as represented by the seminal figures of Ferdinand de Saussure and Michel Foucault.
Findings
The principles of structuralism and post‐structuralism have significant implications for how the role of the modern library can and should be viewed.
Originality/value
Provides insights into LIS by drawing on philosophical perspectives that are beyond the LIS literature.
Keywords
Citation
Radford, G.P. and Radford, M.L. (2005), "Structuralism, post‐structuralism, and the library: de Saussure and Foucault", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 61 No. 1, pp. 60-78. https://doi.org/10.1108/00220410510578014
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2005, Emerald Group Publishing Limited