The Sixteenth International Conference on Books, Publishing & Libraries

Abstract

For decades libraries have been using the realities and possibilities of digital methods to define their function and mission. This prosaic truism has dominated much of the discussion concerning the roles and forms that contemporary - and future - libraries should take. In this view, the focus is primarily on the role that information and communication technology (ICT) should play in determining the structure, content and purposes of libraries. Yet, there is a complementary point of view that has received comparatively less attention from commentators. This perspective is based upon models and approaches found in cognitive science. This presentation will address how three perspectives that are informed by theories from cognitive science can help us understand paradigms for thinking about libraries. The first of these, based upon the theory of the “representational mind”, conceives the library in its traditional role of collecting, structuring and modeling knowledge. The second, drawn upon strains found in connectionism and situated cognition, views the library as reticulated structure of associated material and online elements. The third, taken from the “enactive mind” approach, considers the library as a locus for the material production of knowledge. This viewpoint can encompass the current trend for including “maker spaces” in libraries. Rather than being strictly exclusionary, these three approaches work together to develop a holistic view of libraries that embraces and can enhance human knowledge and thinking.