The 5 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. Even though
S.R. Ranganathan proposed the Five Laws of Library Science before the advent of the digital
age, they are still valid and equally relevant today.¹

Note

 A corollary of the Fourth Law of Library Science is "Save the time of the staff"
 In the present day context, the term "book" should be used in a broader context to mean a
"Resource".
Contents

 First Law: Books Are For Use

o Implications
 Open Access
 Location
 Library Hours
 Library Building and Furniture
 Book Selection Policy
 Library Techniques
 Publicity
 Library Staff
  Reference Service
 Second Law: Every Reader His/Her Book
o Implications / Obligations
 Obligations of the State
 Obligations of the Library Authority
 Obligations of Library Staff
 Obligations of the Reader
 Third Law: Every Book Its Reader
o Implications
 Open Access
 Book Selection
 Shelf Arrangement
 Easy Accessibility
 Cataloging
 Reference Service
 Publicity
 Extension Service
 Fourth Law: Save The Time Of The Reader
o Implications
 Open Access
 Location
 Shelf Arrangement, Classification, and Cataloging
 Stack-Room Guides
 Issue and Return
 Reference Service
 Documentation Service
 Library Staff
 Fifth Law: The Library Is A Growing Organism
o Implications
 Balanced Growth
 Casting Off the Old (Obsolete) and Preserving Valuable Books
 Choice of a Classification Scheme
 Choice of a Catalog Code
 Modernization
 Staff
 Library Building - Provision for Future
 Safeguards
 Variants of Five Laws of Library Science
 Five Laws of Library Science Articles and News
 Five Laws of Library Science Book by S.R. Ranganathan (Digitized Book)
 Five Laws of Library Science Infographic
 Five Laws of Library Science Quiz
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.

The first law constitutes the basis for library services. Dr. Ranganathan observed that books were
often chained to prevent their removal and that the emphasis was on storage and preservation
rather than use. He did not reject the notion that preservation and storage were important, but he
asserted that the purpose of such activities was to promote use. Without user access to materials,
there is little value in these items. By emphasizing use, Dr. Ranganathan refocused the attention
of the field to access-related issues, such as the library's location, loan policies, hours and days of
operation, as well as the quality of staffing and mundane matters like library furniture,
temperature control, and lighting.

First Law - Books are for Use is the ones of the Five Laws of Library Science that Ranganathan
remarked as ‘trivial truism’ in his writing “Library Science and Scientific Method.”⁷ Trivial
Truism refers to a statement of little value or importance that is obviously true and says nothing
new or interesting. So here Dr. S. R. Rangangathan means to say that the First Law - Books are
for Use is obviously true and understood. Ranganathan says in this work:

Before dealing with these factors, a word should be said about the remark that the First Law -
Books are for Use - is a trivial truism. The first law of most of the science is equally so. For
example, Newton’s first law of motion reads, “Every body preserves in its state of rest unless it
is compelled to change that state by impressed forces.” Is this not a truism?

Implications
 Open Access - Open access of books enhance their use. In this system, every reader is
allowed to go to the shelves and choose the book of his interest. In case he does not find
the desired book of his interest, he can choose some other from the shelves.
 Location - A library should be situated near the central place. If it as an institutional
library, then it should be situated near the center of the institutional complex. If it is a
public library then it should be in the center of the city.
 Library Hours - The first law demands that a library should be kept open for long hours,
and during the hours which suits to its patrons most.
 Library Building and Furniture - There should be a functional library building with
pleasant, natural, and electrical light, soothing interior, good looking furniture,
comfortable chairs, etc.
  Book Selection Policy - Books should be purchased which are relevant to the needs of
the readers. Books should be attractive such as it fills the reader with pleasure.
 Library Techniques - Proper cataloging and classification of books are essential for
promoting the use of books.
 Publicity - The First Law demands wide publicity of each and every book of the library.
For example, the librarian can bring out the list of new additions and latest arrivals
through the Current Awareness Service (CAS) or Selective Dissemination of Information
Services (SDI).
 Library Staff - A library cannot come up to the expectation of the first law unless its
staff is attentive and cheerful, and cares for the books and readers. Readers should be
looked upon as customers. Some readers are shy and are not informed about the complex
library techniques. The library staff should help such users to find their desired book. It
will not only satisfy readers but also enhance library's use.
 Reference Service - Reference service aims to establish the right contact between the
right reader and right book at the right time. A collection of library resources would not
be used fully unless the reference librarian makes effort to help the users to exploit the
resources of the library. This personal service will lead to the greater use of books.

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.

This law suggests that every member of the community should be able to obtain materials
needed. Dr. Ranganathan felt that all individuals from all social environments were entitled to
library service and that the basis of library use was education, to which all were entitled. These
entitlements were not without some important obligations for both libraries/librarians and library
patrons. Librarians should have excellent first-hand knowledge of the people to be served.
Collections should meet the special interests of the community, and libraries should promote and
advertise their services extensively to attract a wide range of readers.

The second law of library science "every reader his/her book" means that librarians serve a wide
collection of patrons, acquire literature to fit a vast collection of needs, do not judge what
specific patrons choose to read. Everyone has different tastes and differences and we should
respect that.
The possible absence of a physical knowledge storage object doesn’t dilute the power of
Ranganathan’s second principle; it is certainly relevant to media in all forms including the
Internet.

Implications / Obligations
 Obligations of the State - When we say "Every Reader His / Her Book" or "Books for
All", the state or government automatically comes in picture. The state has a certain
obligation to its citizens and one of these is to provide equal opportunity to read.
Ranganathan has discussed obligations of the state under three head. (i) Finance--
providing finance by giving grants and by levying library cess (Ranganathan's choice),
(ii) Legislation--enacting library legislation, and (iii) Coordination--of activities to ensure
"Books for All"
 Obligations of the Library Authority - The second law has something to say to library
authorities in respect to the selection of books and staff. A library has limited finance. It
is therefore desirable to know the requirements of the readers before selecting the books.
Similarly, library authority should select staff for their library with professional
competence and missionary zeal.
 Obligations of Library Staff - Library staff should be cooperative and service minded.
Library staff should form a bridge between readers and books, only then every reader will
have his/her book. When a reader enters a library, the library staff should approach him
with a helping hand. Second Law strongly advocates user education program in libraries.
 Obligations of the Reader - The Second Law expects the readers also to discharge some
responsibilities. Readers should be disciplined and follow rules and regulations. Readers
should restrain from cutting pages from books, keeping books beyond the due date, etc.
All such acts amount to keeping other readers away from their books.

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.

This principle is closely related to the second law, but it focuses on the item itself, suggesting
that each item in a library has an individual or individuals who would find that item useful. Dr.
Ranganathan argued that the library could devise many methods to ensure that each item finds its
appropriate reader. One method involved the basic rules for access to the collection, most
notably the need for open shelving.
The third law of library science "every book its reader" means a library's books have a place in
the library even if a smaller demographic might choose to read it.

It is, therefore, necessary to adopt measures to ensure successful implementation of the demand
of the Third Law. The factors that may be kept in view in this regard have been discussed below:

Implications
 Open Access - It is one of the most effective ways to ensure that the maximum number
of books are seen by the readers. It also happens sometimes that the reader to the shelves
in search of a book and in the process of search select many more books.
 Book Selection - Give full weightage to the tastes and requirements of the clientele of the
library. Difficulties of the Third Law can be minimized by adopting a well-balanced book
selection policy. If the right books are selected it will definitely find its readers
 Shelf Arrangement - If the books are arranged so that the subjects get arranged
according to the degree of mutual relationship, then each book would have a higher
probability of getting its readers.
 Easy Accessibility - Books should be placed within easy reach of the readers. It has been
observed that the books within the comfortable reach of the readers are most frequently
used. For easy accessibility, shelves should not be higher than 6.5 ft.
 Cataloging - Proper cataloging of books is very important as even though there may be
well planned and arranged books on the shelves but they are incapable merely by itself.
Series entry and cross-reference entries are highly useful in drawing the attention of the
readers. Analytical entries increase the chance of a composite book getting its reader.
 Reference Service - A reference librarian should know about the world of books and try
to find out a reader for every one of these. The reference librarian should act as a
canvassing agent for each book.
 Publicity - Publicity is a very powerful weapon to attract readers to the library and
thereby to increase the chances of every book to find its reader. For example, the arrival
of new books may be brought to the notice of the readers by displaying them, near the
entrance of the library, or by communicating the readers through an e-newsletter or
broadcasting information about them through the Twitter handle of the library.
 Extension Service - The library attract readers by converting itself into a cultural and
social center. A library does this by organizing exhibitions, musical concerts, a magic
show, celebration of local and national festivals, etc. Once the people come to these
functions, then the library can make an attempt to bring books and readers together.

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.

This law is a recognition that part of the excellence of library service is its ability to meet the
needs of the library user efficiently. To this end, Dr. S.R. Ranganathan recommended the use of
appropriate business methods to improve library management. He observed that centralizing the
library collection in one location provided distinct advantages. He also noted that excellent staff
would not only include those who possess strong reference skills, but also strong technical skills
in cataloging, cross-referencing, ordering, accessioning, and the circulation of materials.

The fourth law of library science "save the time of the user" means that all patrons should be able
to easily locate the material they desire quickly and efficiently.

Implications
 Open Access - In a closed access of books time is wasted unnecessarily. In open access,
the time of the readers is saved. If open access is not there then the reader has to make the
choice of the books through the searching of the library catalog. Then the reader requests
the library staff the book which he has searched in the catalog. The staff searches the
required book and if the staff is not able to trace the book, then the reader again needs to
search the catalog. These problems can be avoided if open access is provided where the
readers can themselves go to the shelves to search their book.
 Location - The location of the library is of great importance. It must be centrally located
so that it is conveniently accessible to the community served. For an institutional library,
it should be in the center of the institution, for a public library it should be in the center of
the city. Centrally located library saves the times of the users in visiting it.
 Shelf Arrangement, Classification, and Cataloging - Proper classification schemes
should be used in the library. Books should be arranged on shelves according to the
classification number. Regular shelf rectification is also essential. In order to save the
time of the readers, the library catalog should aim to provide different approaches to the
users. It should include analytical entries for composite books.
 Stack-Room Guides - To save the time of the reader, the library should provide an
efficient system of stack room guides. It may be quite useful to keep it at the entrance of
the stack room, the whole plan of the room indicating the position of the book racks and
classes of books in them.
 Issue and Return - Most readers want to read the book at home. For this, the library has
to issue the books to the readers. Time-saving techniques for circulation to books should
be used so that the user has not to spend more time in getting the book issued (or
returned).
 Reference Service - The reference staff establishes a contact between the book and the
reader by providing Reference Service and Long Range Reference Services, thereby
saving the time of the reader.
  Documentation Service - A substantial time of readers is wasted in the literature search.
The library should, therefore, undertake comprehensive or selective, as needed be,
documentation services including SDI service to save the time of the reader.
 Library Staff - Library staff should be cooperative. They should help the readers to find
their document keeping in mind the message of the Fourth Law, i.e., to Save the Time of
the Reader.

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.

This law focused more on the need for internal change than on changes in the environment itself.
Dr. Ranganathan argued that library organizations must accommodate growth in staff, the
physical collection, and patron use. This involved allowing for growth in the physical building,
reading areas, shelving, and in space for the catalog.

The fifth law of library science "the library is a growing organism" means that a library should
be a continually changing institution, never static in its outlook. Books, methods, and the
physical library should be updated over time.

Implications
 Balanced Growth - The collection should grow in all the areas of subjects keeping in
view the needs and requirements of all the readers, as far as possible.
 Casting Off the Old (Obsolete) and Preserving Valuable Books - Weed out old,
obsolete, and unused books in order to provide space for new additions. However,
librarians should take necessary steps to preserve valuable materials.
 Choice of a Classification Scheme - We should use a scheme of classification, which is
able to meet the onslaught of knowledge reasonably well.
 Choice of a Catalog Code - We should use a catalog code which is able to provide
treatment to all kinds of library materials yet acquired as well as new materials likely to
be acquired in future.
 Modernization - Libraries may have to think of computerization of the various
housekeeping jobs like the acquisition, circulation, cataloging, etc.
  Staff - When a library grows, the sanctioned staff at some stage become inadequate. So at
that time an increase of staff should be considered. Any standard for staffing should be
accepted by the libraries, then the library would be able to get the requisite staff.
 Library Building -- Provision for Future - While planning and designing a library
building, there should be a provision for the expansion of the building, both horizontally
as well as vertically. The library should provide adequate space for the present as well as
the future.
 Safeguards - As the number of readers increase, the problem of theft of books from the
library becomes acute, especially in the open access system. So, it necessitates some
safeguards, such as entrance and exit should be from one gate, windows should be
grilled, and all readers should be checked before leaving.

VARIANTS OF FIVE LAWS OF LIBRARY

SCIENCE
Librarian Michael Gorman (born 6 March 1941, Witney, Oxfordshire) a British-born librarian,
library scholar and editor/writer past president of the American Library Association, 2005–2006,
and editor of AACR2), and Walt Crawford recommended the following laws in addition to
Ranganathan's five in Future Libraries: Dreams, Madness, and Realities [American Library
Association, 1995], (p. 8) Gorman later repeated them in his small book, Our Singular Strengths
[American Library Association, 1998].

1. Libraries serve humanity.

2. Respect all forms by which knowledge is communicated.
3. Use technology intelligently to enhance service.
4. Protect free access to knowledge.
5. Honor the past and create the future.

In 2004, librarian Alireza Noruzi recommended applying Ranganathan's laws to the Web in his
paper, "Application of Ranganathan's Laws to the Web":

1. Web resources are for use.

2. Every user has his or her web resource.
3. Every web resource its user.
4 Save the time of the user.
5. The Web is a growing organism.

In 2008, librarian Carol Simpson recommended that editing be done to Ranganathan's law due
to media richness. The following were:

1. Media are for use.

2. Every patron his information.
3. Every medium its user.
4. Save the time of the patron.
5. The library is a growing organism.