The library assemblage: creative institutions in an information society

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical analysis of the concept of an “institution” in order to understand the potential of the library as an institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The work of Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari is used to build a theoretical foundation from which to construct a vision of institutions, particularly libraries, as a tools for social justice rather than market forces.

Findings

It is possible to analyse institutions and libraries in particular, in terms of codes and rules that constrain behaviour. The concept of institutions as assemblages can be used as an alternative in order to emphasise the creative and transformative potential of institutions.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a small body of critical literature that examines the theoretical principles that can ground library services as tools for advocacy.

Citation

Gerolami, N. (2015), "The library assemblage: creative institutions in an information society", Journal of Documentation, Vol. 71 No. 1, pp. 165-174. https://doi.org/10.1108/JD-09-2013-0120