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.

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