Revitalizing theory in library and information science: The contribution of process philosophy

Two main traditions now operate in philosophy, influencing the choice about which theories are appropriate in library and information science (LIS). A third tradition, known as process philosophy, gives prominence to human knowledge as an organically integrated, self-sustaining whole, thereby opening another avenue for the effort to revitalize theory in LIS. Drawing on process philosophy, this article argues that "library" is another level in the process of semantic innovation that includes "symbol," "word," "sentence," and "narrative." Because semantic innovation relies on imagining and reading as mediators and is central to the achievement of narrative identity, this philosophy opens a fresh perspective on the library in the life of a person.