Distracted Readings is a reading experience set in open access library spaces that use the Dewey Decimal Indexing System.

 

The project consists of three physical books and one online book. Each of the three physical volumes is given an index number and is arranged amongst other books in the shelves as follows:

097 TAY (Manuscripts & rare books; Books notable for ownership or origin)

302 ALH (Social Interactions)

514.32 HER (Topology, System and Spaces)

 

The content explores strategies for facilitating serendipity on the levels of the personal, the social and metadata, through compiled designs 

or personal stories. 

 

The visitor experience can be compared to an exhibition that is highly customisable. Each book contains directions by which to locate the others, but visitors are encouraged to browse around, linger and view other materials that are not part of the project. Chance and the act of browsing are two important features of the audience experience. Each book is designed to appeal – not just visually, but to the combined senses of the reader.

 

The project hopes to encourage visitors to embrace serendipity in the unique and expansive contemporary information landscape.