The Culture and Technology Book club brings readers together once a month to discuss new and classic texts that raise important questions about the way technology transforms our cultural and political lives. The group will read on relevant topics related to social media, innovation, surveillance and infrastructure.
When: Friday, June 7 @ 7:00pm
Where: North York Central Library (5120 Yonge Street, Toronto), eLearning Lab (2nd floor)
Theme: Infrastructure
This month we will read: “Mixing humans and nonhumans together” by Bruno Latour [under the pseudonym Jim Johnson] (1993) [accessible while on TPL wifi]
What happens when a technology melts into the background of our lives? What happens when these invisible supports then start to malfunction? In this article Latour humorously explores how nonhumans (that is, machines) play key roles in proscribing human behavior, transforming from mere matter into social and political actors in their own right. We’ll use this reading to consider infrastructure’s role as a normative force more broadly.
Registration is encouraged. Drop-ins welcome. Book your ticket through Eventbrite.
For more information, contact the 4th floor Business, Science & Technology desk at 416-395-5613.
Comments, bonus reading suggestions, or want to sign up for The Culture and Technology mailing list? Send an email to naomidavies@tpl.ca. Reading chapters of some of the readings will be sent out to members ahead of time. Reach out to us if you’d like a copy and haven’t received one.
Toronto Public Library is committed to accessibility. Please call or email us if you are Deaf or have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to participate in these programs. Please let us know as far in advance as possible, and we will do our best to meet your request. At least three weeks' notice is preferred. Phone 416-393-7099 or email accessibleservices@tpl.ca.
