PhD thesis,
The Architecture of a Virtual Library : A Deleuzian Approach to Library and Information Studies
Ottawa, (2010)
Abstract
The dissertation draws upon the philosophic work of French philosopher Gilles Deleuze in order to provide an unconventional response to the ongoing call for more theory in library and information studies (LIS). It is both Deleuze's concepts and his overall philosophic methodology that is employed to introduce a series of new questions and problems into LIS. Deleuze defines philosophy as the creation of concepts. The purpose of philosophy is not to provide a description or representation of the world, concepts or images that mirror our "true" reality. Philosophical activity does not simply involve the creation of any concepts but rather the creation of new concepts in order to bring about a new form of social organization and to ensure that creativity, activism and freedom predominate. Deleuze's ontological, ethical, and political concepts are used to intervene in existing debates about the function of the library in society. His concepts shed light on issues in communication theory, intellectual property, librarian ethics, and the democratic function of the library. In conclusion, his concept of the assemblage is used to build a theory of the institution not as repressive but as open and creative, providing a basis for activism in librarianship.
