Five Laws of Library Science

Five Laws of Library Science

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FIVE LAWS OF LIBRARY SCIENCE ? The Five laws of library science is a theory proposed by S. R. Ranganathan in 1931, detailing the principles of operating a library system. Five laws of library science are called the set of norms, percepts, and guides to good practice in librarianship. Many librarians worldwide accept them as the foundations of their philosophy. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan conceived the Five Laws of Library Science in 1924. The statements embodying these laws were formulated in 1928. These laws were first published in Ranganathan's classic book entitled Five Laws of Library Science in 1931.

These laws are:

1. Books are for use.

2. Every reader his / her book.

3. Every book its reader.

4. Save the time of the reader.

5. The library is a growing organism.

These laws of Library Science are the "fundamental laws" of Library Science. These are applicable to any problem in the areas of library science, library service, and library practice. These laws are like pot containing oceans. Prior to their enunciation, the subject of Library Science had no philosophy. These laws gave a philosophical base, guaranteeing an everlasting future to the subject of library science, the profession of librarianship, and the use of libraries. These laws have provided a scientific approach to the subject of library science.

[CONTENTS / ABSTRACT]

First Law: Books Are For Use

A book is a guide, a friend, and a philosopher. A writer writes a book to communicate his thoughts. The primary purpose of writing, therefore, is that the thought it contains should be communicated. To do so it is necessary to put the books for use. The first law, therefore, truly demands that all efforts should be made to ensure that all the books kept in the library are used because it is created for use. The first law "Books are for use" places emphasis on the use of books rather than storage. Books were once kept in closed access in order to prevent theft, but this discouraged free use and prevented loaning. The first law of library science "books are for use" means that books in libraries are not meant to be shut away from its users ... ... ...

Implications of First Law

1. Open Access

2. Location

3. Library Hours

4. Library Building and Furniture

5. Book Selection Policy

6. Library Techniques

7. Publicity

8. Library Staff

9. Reference Service

Second Law: Every Reader His/Her Book

The second law of library science is "Every Reader His / Her Book". This law implies that the "books are for use of all" or "books for all." The Second Law stressed on the democratization of the library where every reader has the equal right to get the book of his / her interest. The second law fixed some responsibilities or obligations of the state, the library authority, the library staff, and the readers. A library should serve all patrons, no matter their age, race, or economic status. ... ... ...

Implications of Second Law

1. Obligations of the State

2. Obligation of the Library Authority

3. Obligation of Library Staff

4. Obligation of the Reader

Third Law: Every Book Its Reader

The Third Law prescribes Every Book its Reader. The emphasis is on the book. This law desires that every book in a library must find its reader. It implies that there should be maximum use of books by their users. ... ... ...

Implications of Third Law

1. Open Access

2. Book Selection

3. Shelf Arrangement

4. Easy Accessibility

5. Cataloging

6. Reference Service

7. Publicity

8. Extension Service

Fourth Law: Save The Time Of The Reader

The Fourth Law says "Save the Time of the Reader." A library user must be assumed a busy person. It is essential to keep the reader satisfied and a reader is satisfied most if his/her time is saved, i.e., if he gets the needed service in minimum possible time. ... ... ...

Implications of Fourth Law

1. Open Access

2. Location

3. Shelf Arrangement, Classification, and Cataloging

4. Stack-Room Guides

5. Issue and Return

6. Reference Service

7. Documentation Service

8. Library Staff

Fifth Law: The Library Is A Growing Organism

The Fifth Law is "The Library is a Growing Organism." A library is a social institution and it will keep growing like an organism. A library will grow in terms of documents, readers, and staff. The nature of organic growth can be either growth as a body of a child or growth as of the body of an adult. The growth of a new library will correspond to that of a child growing in all aspects. In case of a service library, once its growth has reached the adult stage, the growth would be in terms of replacing old books by new books and new users will continuously replace old users. ... ... ...

Implications of the Fifth Law

1. Balanced Growth

2. Casting Off the Old (Obsolete) and Preserving Valuable Books

3. Choice of a Classification Scheme

4. Choice of a Catalog Code

5. Modernization

6. Staff

7. Library Building - Provision for Future

8. Safeguards

Five Laws of Library Science - S.R. Ranganathan (Digitized Book)

Original book - Digitized by Google from the holdings of University of California

Variant of Five Laws of Library Science

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Five Laws of Library Science Infographic

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