Ranganathan's Vision Guides Modern Libraries
2
Nagpur: The birth anniversary of Padma Shree Dr Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, the father of Library and Information Science (LIS) in India, is celebrated as Librarians' Day across the country on August 12.
Born in 1892, the mathematician-turned-librarian transformed the field through his Five Laws of Library Science, Colon Classification (1933), and the concept of 'canons', which laid the philosophical and scientific foundation for classification, cataloguing, and library management.
Speaking on the eve of Librarians' Day, Nagpur University's department of library and information science Prof Shalini Lihitkar said Dr Ranganathan's vision centred on access, equity, and growth of libraries.
"He put India on the world map of library science by offering a scientific, flexible, and user-oriented approach," she said.
India's public library system follows a pyramidal structure with State Central Libraries at the apex, followed by district/divisional libraries, and rural branches at the base. However, many libraries face challenges such as inadequate funding, outdated infrastructure, lack of trained staff, and limited digital access.
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This has widened the gap between public and academic libraries, the latter benefiting from institutional budgets and better facilities.
The Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF) under the ministry of culture plays a key role in supporting public libraries through providing infrastructure, reading material, and retro-conversion projects in partnership with state govts. The National Mission on Libraries, launched in 2014, aims to modernise libraries by setting up model facilities, conducting surveys, training personnel, and creating a National Virtual Library of India.
With the digital era reshaping access to information, the role of librarians has evolved from custodian of books to knowledge managers, digital navigators, and community educators. "Librarians today must be adept in digital literacy, open access resources, and AI tools," Prof Lihitkar stressed.
She emphasised the need for continuous training, updated curricula in LIS education, and integration of technology to prepare librarians for future challenges.
The profession now offers opportunities in diverse sectors including academic and research institutions, govt departments, archives, museums, corporate information centres, media, IT, and digital libraries.
For libraries to truly serve communities, Prof Lihitkar said, they must be modernised, be inclusive and responsive, offer lifelong learning experience and services such as skill development, e-governance, and spread health awareness.
"Libraries grow people. Let us grow our libraries," she said, echoing Dr Ranganathan's dream of making libraries dynamic beacons of knowledge and empowerment for every citizen.
Vijay Khandal, director, Knowledge Resource Centre, Nagpur University, echoed Professor Lihitkar, saying learners must now make full use of AI tools and digital data. "The university has subscribed to new databases and converted many journals and books into digital form. Affiliated colleges, especially in rural areas, must subscribe to KRC membership to ensure their students have access to these digital resources," he said.
Khandal said Dr Ranganathan brought about a revolution in the field of library science.
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