Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Re-Envisioning Libraries In The Information Society: A Critical Theory Of Library Technology, Ajit Kumar Pyati

FIMS Publications

Libraries have been involved in technological transformation for several decades, and are now increasingly associated with discourses surrounding the development of a global information society. The information society, however, remains a contested terrain, with a major focus on connectivity to ICTs, and is often linked with technological determinist and technocratic agendas. The library profession and field do not adequately theorize technology in a way that offers a progressive alternative to this dominant information society vision.

In light of this context, this dissertation argues for the relevance of critical theory as a framework for guiding and analyzing library technology actions. This …