Evolution of theoretical understanding of the phenomenon of reading in social sciences, humanities and information sciences

The article deals with the issue of theoretical interdisciplinary study of reading. A historiographical analytical review of the basic concepts that form the basis of the General theory of reading is presented. The concepts proving the necessity of the General theory of reading as a new scientific discipline in the system of library and information Sciences are revealed. The evolution of interpretations of the concept of reading and its theoretical understanding in different epochs is traced. The most significant directions of studying reading in social, humanitarian and information Sciences are revealed. The scientific analysis of modern works on reading, the authors of which are Yu. p. Melentyeva, N. A. Stefanovskaya, T. G. Galaktionova, L. N. Chernysheva. The necessity of polyparadigmatic approach in the study of reading is stated. The importance of the General theory of reading for reading support programs, the development of strategic initiatives in the field of socio-cultural design is proved.