The Public Library and Individualization. A discourse analysis.

The aim of this Master's thesis is to analyze the relation between the discursive formation and the optical formation in the public library-apparatus. An ongoing individualization process in the library field and in society at large is used as a backdrop in the analysis. Discourse analysis is used as a method to explore the main Swedish library periodicals Biblioteksbladet, Bibliotek i Samhälle and DIK-forum. All issues from the years 1999 and 2009 have been used as material. The main analytical instruments applied in the analysis of this material are Michel Foucault's terms dispositive, apparatus and diagram. My analysis results in the identification of an individualization diagram which organizes the public library discourse and the public library space planning. This can be observed in the way the library discourse has an intensified focus on the user as a free individualistic subject and in the conveyed understanding of knowledge as relative and individual. The structure of the library space also follows an individualistic organization with an emphasis on flexibility and diversity of use. This may result in a diffuse understanding of how the library should be used. It could also become more difficult for the public libraries to claim legitimacy in society