The cumulative effect of people’s living and working within social frameworks (through a dynamics that Giddens calls structuration) is the production and reproduction of culture. The cultural context is continuously generated and regenerated through the interplay of action and structure (the “duality of structure”). Social structure both supports and constrains the endeavours of individuals, communities, and societies (Giddens, 1984, pp. 1–40). Structuration theory holds that “man actively shapes the world he lives in at the same time as it shapes him” (Giddens, 1982, p. 21). The structuring of social relations across time and space is viewed in virtue of the duality of structure (Giddens, 1984, p. 377).
Published in Chapter:
Digital Libraries as Centres of Knowledge: Historical Perspectives from European Ancient Libraries
Natalie Pang (Monash University, Australia)
Copyright: © 2009
|Pages: 8
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-59904-879-6.ch052
Abstract
Using historical perspectives from ancient libraries in Europe, this chapter is focused on the core role of libraries as centres of knowledge. Though not intended to be a comprehensive historical account, these perspectives are seen as a starting point in the discussion in looking at digital libraries as similar centres or repositories of knowledge. The ways technological and social contexts have been adapted in ancient libraries are discussed, which helped to shed light on the next part of the discussion on digital libraries. Digital libraries are not only considered in terms of their technological aspirations, but also in their social constructions. It is hoped that the discussion will contribute to a collective understanding of immediate and future directions of libraries, their challenges and promises, and how they have evolved as places for local communities.