LAWS OF LIBRARY SCIENCE
The father of library science , Dr. S.R.Ranganathan , enunciated
the basic Five Laws of Library Science in 1928.
They constitute the basic philosophy of Library Science
They constitute a yardstick for testing the validity of
everything done in relation to library.
The Five Laws are:-
- BOOKS ARE FOR USE.
EVERY READER HIS/HER BOOK.
- EVERY BOOK ITS READER.
- SAVE THE
TIME OF READER.
IS A GROWING ORGANISM.
BOOKS ARE FOR USE
Books are meant for use . Thus ,to maximize the use of books
following points are to be considered:-
- LOCATION OF LIBRARY
While choosing the location of Library keep in mind that it
should be centrally located ,where it will easily catch
the attention of public.
- LIBRARY HOURS
Library hours should be convenient to users.
- LIBRARY FURNITURE,EQUIPMENT AND BUILDINGS
Exterior of building should be inviting and interior attractive
Furniture should be comfortable.
- LIBRARY STAFF
First Law calls for credibility of staff, both in respect of
their knowledgeability & their personal attitude to readers.
EVERY READER HIS/HER BOOK.
This law revolutionised the concept "BOOKS FOR CHOSEN FEW"
"BOOKS ARE FOR ALL" is a variant of second law.
The Second Law stands for mandatory provision of Library
to each according to his/her needs.
Second Law enjoins certain obligations on state,library
authority,staff & readers.
- OBLIGATION OF STATE
TO develop & maintain a Library system that is capable of
providing adequate Library service to all the people.
- OBLIGATION OF LIBRARY AUTHORIT
Library Authority's obligation in respect of
a)Choice of books
b)Choice of staff
- OBLIGATION OF STAFF
Staff should be devoted.
It should provide Reference service to readers.
- OBLIGATION OF READERS
THEY should follow the rules of Library.
EVERY BOOK ITS READER.
The means used to satisfy the Third Law in Libraries is
- OPEN ACCESS SYSTEM
By open access is meant the opportunity to see and examine
the book's collection with as much freedom as in one's own
- SHELF ARRANGEMENT
Books should be arranged according to their subject matter.
a well articulated classified arrangement of books on
subject basis is necessary for Third law.
- RECENT ADDITIONS SHELF
'Recency' is also important in securing attention of
visitors of Library.
There should be a separate 'Recent Additions Shelf' very
near the entrance.
- EASY ACCESSIBILITY
Books within the reach of a reader
of average height.
Top-most shelf of a book rack should be within the easy reach
of a man of average height.
Catalogue is of immense help for Third Law.
Series-entry(entry of book under series to which it belong) and
Subject cross-reference entry(having subject as heading)
are specially conducive to fulfillment of Third Law.
- REFERENCE SERVICE
Third Law always require the
provision of human beings as "canvassing agents"
Certain members of staff should be set apart solely to
assist the reader in use of catalogue and in the choice of
Well considered publicity is necessary for a library,so
that public may know its existence and of varied service
- EXTENSION SERVICES
Objective is to turn the library into a social centre
whose function is encouragement of reading.
SAVE THE TIME OF READER.
- OPEN ACCESS
Time is saved if a person searches the book itself.
- CLASSIFIED ARRANGEMENT
Books on shelves should be arranged according to subjects.
Such arrangement makes it easy to find the required books easily
This way you also come across other books related to your topic
- STACK ROOM GUIDES
Guides should be provided in stack helping in finding books
Books should be tagged.
- CATALOGUE ENTRY
There should be Subject,Title and Keyword entries
Cross-reference entries should be given.
- AUTOMATION OF LIBRARIES
It is very helpful in saving user's time
LIBRARY IS A GROWING ORGANISM
According to this Law, Library is regarded as a living being.
Just as a person has two types of growth:-
a)Child growth-physical development
b)Adult growth-mental development
Similarly,Library has two types of growth:-
a)Child growth-in terms of increase in reading material & staff.
b)Adult growth-in terms of growth in readers.
The Fifth Law states the basic components of a library are:-
1)Book stock 2)Staff 3)Readers 4)Physical plant.
- BOOK STOCK
a)Size of stack room
b)Size of catalogue cabinet.
c)Number of racks
a)More reading space .
a)More staff for new services.
b)Intense Reference service.
c)Increase in administrative service.
d)New Information services.
- PHYSICAL PLANT
By Physical plant it means Library building,furniture & equipme
a)Library building with modular approach.
b)Furniture keeping in mind future increase of users.