Eros in the Library: Considering the Aesthetics of Knowledge Organization

Authors

Melissa Adler, Western University, CanadaFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2019

Volume

44

Issue

2

Journal

Art Libraries Journal

First Page

67

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1017/alj.2019.6

Last Page

71

Abstract

Privileging the aesthetic aspects of knowledge organization through a feminist historical lens may open possibilities for reimagining a library’s space. This paper reveals the history of a relatively unknown figure in the history of knowledge organization. I will suggest that we might regard Pamphila, a miscellanist who lived in Greece during the 1st century, as a ‘radical cataloguer’ who introduced amethod associated with weaving and embroidery. Her organizational method privileged beauty and pleasure, along with historical accuracy and usefulness.