Resumo de Dr. S. R. Ranganathan?s Five Laws Of Library Science: Their Relevance And Imperatives In It Context

DR. S. R. RANGANATHAN?S FIVE LAWS OF LIBRARY SCIENCE: THEIR RELEVANCE AND IMPERATIVES IN THE CONTEXT OF MODERN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY*Mohammad Azeem Siddiqui, Research Scholar, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (A Central University), Lucknow.Dr. Shiyali Ramamritra Ranganathan, who is often regarded as the Father of Library Science, was born in Shiyali, a small village in the Tanjavoor district of present Tamilnadu on 9th August (date current in official use is 12th August)1 1982. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan was a library scientist par excellence. He aims to apply scientific method to different areas of library science. In the context of library science, Dr. S. R. Ranganathan conceived the Five Laws of Library SCIENCE in 1924. The statements embodying these laws were formulated in 1928; i.e. the laws took final form in 1928.

Dr. S. R. Ranganathan?s Five Laws of Library Science was published in 1931. This is a classic work, which describes in detail the Five Laws of Library Science and their implications. These laws have provided a scientific approach to library science. They constitute the philosophical basis for work and services of all types of libraries. These laws have been accepted as the basis of library science. The Five Laws of Library Science2 enunciated by Dr. S. R. Ranganathan seventy five years back are as follows: -1. Books are for use.2. Every reader his/her book.3. Every book its reader.4. Save the time of the reader.5. A Library is a growing organism.These brief statements remain as valid (in substance if not in expression) today as when they were promulgated, concisely representing the ideal service and organizational philosophy of most libraries today. They have been widely accepted as the definitive statement of ideal library service.Later on with the technological advancement and modern development when documentation activity was gaining importance, he reworded them as follows3: -1. Documents are for use.2. Every user his/her document.3. Every document its user.4. Save the time of the user.5. Documentation center is a growing organism.In, the Fifth Law, the word ?organism? implies a ?system? concept; ?growing? connotes a ?living system?. Prof. Anthony H Thompson4 of the College of Librarianship, Wales (UK) in Ranganathan Memorial Lecture (8) held at national Aeronautical laboratory on 15 through 17 January 1985 updated the Five laws further in the context of Information Science in the following way; -1. Information is for use.2. Every information user his/her information.3. Every piece of information its user.4. Save the time of the information user.5. The universe of information is an ever growing organism.The relevance of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan?s Five Laws of Library Science in the context of modern information technology can be summarized in the form given in the following chart: -IMPERATIVES MOTIVATED BY DR. S. R. RANGANATHAN?S FIVE LAWS: THEN AND NOW
FIRST LAW- Books are for use .IN RANGANATHAN?S TIMES- Ensure the circulation of books-not to be placed just on the shelf untouched by the users. IN THE MODERN AGE-Assure the access of online resources so that they are readily available where and when they are needed. SECOND LAW- Every reader his/her book. IN RANGANATHAN?S TIMES- Obstacles between the book and its reader to be removed in order to satisfy the principle of education (and books) for all. IN THE MODERN AGE- Eliminate the obstacles that prevent users from making effective use of electronic resources. THIRD LAW- Every book, its reader. IN RANGANATHAN?S TIMES- Ensure the easy access of books to the user through a well-cross-referenced catalogue. IN THE MODERN AGE- Integrate electronic resources into virtual learning environments and other web pages of the institution. FOURTH LAW- Save the time of the reader. IN RANGANATHAN?S TIMES-Avoid the wastage of user?s time involved in search for particular books by creating effective catalogues. IN THE MODERN AGE- Provide meta searching capabilities so the users can search entire set of electronic resources and link resolvers so that users get access to the best source. FIFTH LAW- A library is a growing organism. IN RANGANATHAN?S TIMES- Regard libraries as part of the larger community. IN THE MODERN AGE- Offer anytime, anywhere, access to libraries; the Information Commons; the Invisible Web. Therefore, it can be concluded that Ranganathan?s Five Laws essentially constitute a fundamental contribution to the development of Library Science, Documentation and Information Science. They are fundamental because they are relevant in relation to the past, present-day developments, as well as future developments. Although the Five Laws of Library Science consist of five short statements, the boldness and clarity of thought behind these is remarkable. These statements appear to be too simple but in reality these laws are quite complicated. These provide guidance and rationale for practice and teaching of Library and Information Science. The laws have been useful in teaching of different branches of Library Science. These have made an impact on the growth and development of theory and practice. These will serve as source of inspiration and guidance in the years to come. Every student and teacher of library science, librarian must give thought to the implications of these laws. REFERENCES1. Kumar, P. S. G. Ranganathan: a multi-faceted personality. New Delhi, D.K. Publishing Corporation, 1992, p. 1.2. Ranganathan, S. R. Five laws of library science, Madras, Madras Library association, 1931. (second edition was published in 1957).3. Kumar, P.S.G. Op. Cit. p. 218.4. Ibid.

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