Libraries and Cultural Capital

Abstract

This editorial discusses the concept of cultural capital and its relevance for cultural institutions and, specifically, libraries, gives an overview of the concept of cultural capital as first conceived by French sociologist Pierre Bourdieu and explores the three types of cultural capital he identified (embodied, objectified and institutional). The editorial examines how libraries might be considered sites for the production, dissemination and acquisition of cultural capital, focusing on their role of facilitating access to objectified cultural capital in particular and discusses how recent uses of the term cultural capital do not adhere closely to Bourdieu's theories but suggests, nevertheless, that the term is being used increasingly to justify continued government financial support for cultural services.