Making Places While Building Networks. An Exploration Of The Role Of The Urban Environment In Book Publishing

Abstract

Using a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, this thesis critically examined the role of urban place in publishing through a dynamic and multidimensional conception of place and an exploration of personal networks. The empirical analyses enhance our understanding of how place is employed in creating and selling a cultural product. This was investigated from the relatively unexplored angle of the publisher as cultural intermediary who plays a key role in bringing together culture and commerce. This more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of place and personal networks calls for a rethinking of the importance of local concentrations of cultural-product industries. While several scholars have suggested that there is more to local concentration than just proximity and face-to-face contact as a communication device, and that there is more to place than just geographical proximity, this thesis has shown that places in publishing are made by building networks. It has shown the need to conceive place as a dynamic social construct. The making of places facilitates the creation of reputation in social communities and of trust in personal network ties. By examining how cultural value is created and how personal networks and the urban environment play a role in this creation, this research has contributed to breaching the dichotomy of culture and economy and to linking the production and consumption sides of the debate on stimulating urban economies.