This master’s thesis in the field of library and information science deals with reviews written by first readers, to be considered by librarians in their selection process. My aim is to identify dislocations in relation to norms, with the help of two research questions: Which discursive dislocations can be seen in relation to norms concerning gender, sexuality, racialization on the one hand and literature, reading and the mediation of literature in a library context? Which positions are held by the first readers in relation to libraries and the public? Discourse analysis, as described by Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe, functions as theory and method. The material is first reader’s reviews written in 1928 and 2013.I identify the discourse in 1928 as occupied with enlightenment and in 2013 with individualism. In 1928, first readers and librarians function as gatekeepers. They judge literature based on quality, suitability and moral. Popular genres are seen as lacking in quality and not always suitable for the public. Sexual content is tied to lacking suitability and bad moral, which is not the case in 2013, when the discourse focuses primarily on the public readers’ demands and reading acts. Reading is now regarded as entertaining, rather than educational. In terms of racialization, “culture” in 2013 has the same function as “race” in 1928 – that is, to establish difference and exotism. Gender stereotypes are questioned in 2013, but also used. The gatekeeper roles of first readers and librarians are weakened, but they still hold positions of power.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:hb-9557 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Lönnlöv, Sebastian |
| Publisher | Högskolan i Borås, Akademin för bibliotek, information, pedagogik och IT |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | Swedish |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
| Relation | Masteruppsats i biblioteks- och informationsvetenskap ; 2015:19 |
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