SU10Q5

Summer 2010 Question 5 / Summer 2011 Question 1
S.R. Ranganathan proposed several essential truths about library and information science in his Five Laws of Library Science (1931):

i. Books are for use; ii. For every reader, his [or her] book; iii. For every book, its reader; iv. Save the time of the reader; v. A library is a growing organism.

Ranganathan created these laws over 75 years ago. Since that time there have been many changes to our profession and our practices resulting from developments in information technology, standards and communications. Select any TWO of Ranganathan’s five laws and discuss how each is relevant in today’s information environment (in general and in a specific library environment). Be sure to note what has changed and how that has changed the relevance of the law you are discussing. Include examples in your discussion.

Response