Academic Focus: Society on the Move by Ashley Ashwell

Speed shelving and literary ice cream

Ashley Ashwell’s dissertation, “Society on the Move – the Role of the Mobile Library in Cultural Cohesion,” is a delightful rollercoaster ride through the world of mobile libraries. Imagine a bookmobile with the charisma of a rock star and the mission of a superhero, and you’ve got the essence of Ashwell’s work.

Image by C. Anva

Ashwell’s thesis is that mobile libraries are the unsung heroes of cultural cohesion, bringing books and joy to the farthest corners of society. Picture a library on wheels, zooming through towns and villages like a literary ice cream truck, but instead of ice lollys, it’s serving up Shakespeare and Tolstoy. The dissertation is filled with anecdotes of mobile librarians who could give James Bond a run for his money, navigating treacherous terrains and dodging potholes to deliver the latest bestsellers.

The research is thorough, with statistics that would make any data enthusiast’s heart skip a beat. Ashwell presents compelling evidence that mobile libraries are not just about books; they’re about building communities, one paperback at a time. The dissertation even includes a chapter on the “Mobile Library Olympics,” a fictional yet hilarious competition where librarians compete in events like “Speed Shelving” and “Book Balancing.”

In conclusion, “Society on the Move” is a whimsical yet insightful exploration of the impact of mobile libraries. Ashwell’s writing is as engaging as a page-turner novel, and the dissertation is a testament to the power of libraries to unite us all. If you ever doubted the importance of a library on wheels, this dissertation will make you a believer. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself chasing after the next bookmobile you see, hoping to catch a glimpse of the real-life heroes behind the wheel.

Review by Mike C. O’Pilot