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A Study of Three Public Libraries in Sydney

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A Study of Three Public Libraries in Sydney Reading infrastructures in the contemporary city: A study of three public libraries in Sydney Jen Sherman A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Institute for Culture and Society University of Western Sydney 2016 Acknowledgements This thesis was born in the library. It was fuelled by copious amounts of tea and coaxed into existence by the encouragement of many. To these people, I say ‘thank you’: To librarians everywhere, for your passion, enthusiasm, and knowledge. Thank you for your tireless and often underappreciated efforts in keeping libraries alive. To the librarians at Whitlam Library, Narellan Library, and Lane Cove Library, for allowing me a glimpse into the spaces you built, answering my questions and emails, sharing your stories, and making this research possible. To the library users who participated in this research, for telling me about your lives and loves, and letting me into a very personal part of who you are—you as a reader. You brought this thesis to life. To my supervisors, Donald McNeill and Tony Bennett, for your guidance and wisdom over the past four years. You saw what this thesis could be long before I did. To my colleagues, fellow students, and friends at the Institute for Culture and Society, for creating such a warm and supportive environment in which to complete this daunting task. And a shout-out to the running group for keeping me sane in the final stages. To the University of Western Sydney library, for books, databases, and interlibrary loans. A special thank you to Susan Robbins, whom I fondly term my ‘book dealer’ for always saying ‘Yes’ when I ask her to buy a book for the library. To my friends, for reminding me there is a world outside of these hallowed halls. To anyone who read a draft at any stage of the process, and especially to Brad. Thank you for your grammar prowess and eagle eyes. To Brandon, for showing me a future beyond the PhD. Let’s go; adventure awaits. Statement of authentication The work presented in this thesis is, to the best of my knowledge and belief, original except as acknowledged in the text. I hereby declare that I have not submitted this material, either in full or in part, for a degree at this or any other institution. …………………………………………… (Signature) Contents Contents ...................................................................................................................................................... i List of figures........................................................................................................................................... iv List of tables ............................................................................................................................................ vi List of documents ................................................................................................................................... vi Abstract ................................................................................................................................................... vii Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 Theoretical framework ............................................................................................................................ 7 Research design ...................................................................................................................................... 11 Thesis outline ......................................................................................................................................... 12 Chapter 1 Making public libraries ........................................................................................................... 16 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 16 1.1 Power and the modern liberal library ........................................................................................... 17 1.2 Public libraries in the United Kingdom ....................................................................................... 24 1.3 Public libraries in the United States .............................................................................................. 27 1.4 The development of public libraries in Australia........................................................................ 31 1.5 Professionalisation of librarianship ............................................................................................... 40 1.6 The influence of the book publishing industry ........................................................................... 44 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 51 Chapter 2 Researching the library .......................................................................................................... 53 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 53 2.1 The Research Process ..................................................................................................................... 54 2.2 Case studies ...................................................................................................................................... 57 2.3 Semi-Structured Interviews ............................................................................................................ 59 2.4 Visual data ........................................................................................................................................ 73 Conclusion .............................................................................................................................................. 75 i Chapter 3 Libraries and municipal governance in Sydney .................................................................. 77 Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 77 3.1 The social geography of Sydney, Australia .................................................................................. 78 3.2 Fairfield City Council and Whitlam Library ................................................................................ 83 3.3 Camden Council and Narellan Library......................................................................................... 95 3.4 Lane Cove Council and Library .................................................................................................. 106 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 118 Chapter 4 Designing for order .............................................................................................................. 120 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 120 4.1 Library as dispositif and functional architecture.................................................................... 122 4.2 Regulating conduct in the contemporary public library .................................................... 128 4.3 Governing library atmosphere .............................................................................................. 137 4.4 Ordering the collection........................................................................................................... 149 4.5 Producing the child reader ..................................................................................................... 156 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 169 Chapter 5 Managing collections, ordering publics ............................................................................. 172 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 172 5.1 Principles behind collection development ................................................................................. 174 5.2 Collection development processes .............................................................................................. 183 5.3 Providing for culturally diverse populations ............................................................................. 192 5.4 Commercial influences in the library .......................................................................................... 198 Conclusion ............................................................................................................................................ 221 Chapter 6 Developing community through libraries ......................................................................... 223 Introduction .......................................................................................................................................... 223 6.1 Governing through community .................................................................................................. 225 6.2 Building community through libraries in the post-war era ....................................................
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