This dissertation provides an historical analysis of libraries and discusses the broader system of scholarly communication and publishing using mixed methods from critical media studies, library studies, organizational communication, systems sociology, and rhetorical studies. It argues that practices of scholarly publishing in the US university environment are grounded in myths and ideological systems of gatekeeping which may prevent participants from recognizing dangers and opportunities associated with digital librarianship. Three such myths operate to support the status quo system of scholarly communication: the myth of authority, the myth of influence, and the myth of permanence. These myths portend and reflect structural changes in relationships governing the intertwining of library and university organizations, including emergent organizational forms, intellectual property challenges by commercial scholarly publishers, and new library-centered forms of publication enabled by new technologies. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]