Article Abstract #1

Richard A. Leiter. Reflections on Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science. 95 Law Library Journal 412 (2003)

In 1931, S.R. Ranganathan published “The Five Laws of Library Science”. The five laws are: (1) Books are for use (2) Every reader his or her book (3) Every book its reader (4) Save the time of the reader (5) The library is a growing organism. As Leiter states, these five laws are “a philosophy of the profession”[1] and “the first and, to date, the only clear definition of a library’s functions and responsibilities.”[2]

Leiter believes that, as with any philosophy, it is not enough to merely read and remember Ranganathan’s Five Laws. One must work to understand them. To further this end, he goes through the five laws, explains their meanings and applies them to the modern law library. By reminding his colleagues of Ranganathan, Leiter hopes to rejuvenate their professional enthusiasm and inspiration.

Ranganathan’s second law is the one that most affects reference service. Libraries must not only collect the appropriate books to serve their patron base, but must work to ensure patrons can access them. Leiter interprets this to mean that “[a] responsibility, therefore, of any librarian is to instruct and guide patrons in the process of research or in searching for materials they need for enjoyment or education.”[3]

[1] Richard A. Leiter, Reflections on Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science, 95 Law Libr. J. 411, 412 (2003)
[2] Id. at 413
[3] Id. at 415