Garstad, Roxy2018-11-262022-05-312022-05-312018Garstad, R. (2018). Straddling practical and theoretical borders: Critically evaluating role and place through a discourse analytic lens. PNLA Quaterly, 82(3/4).https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14078/1232Professional librarians benefit from a close examination of the meaning and purpose underlying their work. One of the most helpful and expedient ways of doing so is to employ non-LIS theories to aid in questioning processes and in critically examining personal work and institutional practices. Discourse analysis, and its related theory, critical discourse analysis, may be suitable for such a purpose. Utilized effectively, they can reveal the underlying power dynamics behind the library as an institution, including the role of librarians within an organization, and the sometimes-fraught interactions between librarians and patrons. The application of theories and methodologies to practice may ultimately improve the library experience for patrons.6.09 MBPDFenAttribution-NonCommercial (CC BY-NC)discourse analysiscritical discourse analysislibrary institutionsstereotypingpatron relationspower dynamicsArticle