Structuralism, post‐structuralism, and the library: de Saussure and Foucault

PurposeExplores the relevance of structuralism and post‐structuralism to the field of library and information science (LIS).Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a literature‐based conceptual analysis of the two philosophical movements, structuralism and post‐structuralism, as represented by the seminal figures of Ferdinand de Saussure and Michel Foucault.FindingsThe principles of structuralism and post‐structuralism have significant implications for how the role of the modern library can and should be viewed.Originality/valueProvides insights into LIS by drawing on philosophical perspectives that are beyond the LIS literature.