Dr. Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, widely regarded as the “Father of Library Science in India,” made profound contributions to the field of library and information science. His work revolutionized the way libraries are organized and operated, not only in India but across the globe. Below is a detailed biography of S.R. Ranganathan:
Early Life and Education
Birth: S.R. Ranganathan was born on August 9, 1892, in the small village of Shiyali (now Sirkazhi) in the Madras Presidency, British India (present-day Tamil Nadu, India).
Family Background: He came from a traditional South Indian Brahmin family. His father, Ramamrita Ayyar, was a landholder and a mathematics teacher, which likely influenced Ranganathan’s early interest in mathematics.
Education: Ranganathan excelled academically from a young age. He earned a B.A. in Mathematics in 1913 and an M.A. in Mathematics in 1916 from Madras Christian College. After completing his M.A., he served as a mathematics lecturer in various colleges across Tamil Nadu.
Introduction to Library Science
Initial Career: Despite his strong academic background in mathematics, Ranganathan found himself appointed as the first librarian of the University of Madras in 1924, a position he reluctantly accepted due to the lack of other opportunities. At that time, he had no formal training in library science.
Training in London: To better understand his role, Ranganathan went to the University of London in 1924 to study library science. During his stay, he was profoundly influenced by British libraries, which led to a deep appreciation for the role of libraries in education and research.
Major Contributions to Library Science
Five Laws of Library Science (1931):
Ranganathan’s most famous work, the “Five Laws of Library Science,” was published in 1931. These laws are considered foundational principles in the field of library science:
1. Books are for use: Emphasizes that libraries should actively promote the use of books and not just act as repositories.
2. Every reader his or her book: Advocates for the availability of books that meet the needs of every individual reader.
3. Every book its reader: Suggests that every book, regardless of its perceived value, has a reader for whom it is significant.
4. Save the time of the reader: Stresses the importance of efficiency and user-friendly services in libraries.
5. The library is a growing organism: Reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of libraries and the need for continual growth and adaptation.
Colon Classification System (1933):
Ranganathan developed the Colon Classification system, a highly systematic and flexible method for organizing library materials. Unlike the Dewey Decimal Classification, which uses a fixed set of numbers, Colon Classification uses a combination of letters and numbers to allow for more precise categorization. The system is particularly well-suited for large and complex collections.
Library Management and Development:
Ranganathan was instrumental in the development of library education in India. He established several library schools and was a strong advocate for the professionalization of library science in the country. He also developed the idea of library legislation, which led to the enactment of library laws in several Indian states.
Academic and Professional Career
Positions Held: Ranganathan served as the librarian of the University of Madras until 1944. He later became the professor and head of the Department of Library Science at the Banaras Hindu University (1945–1947) and the University of Delhi (1947–1955). He was also involved in various national and international library associations.
Publications: Ranganathan was a prolific writer, publishing more than 60 books and over 1,500 articles during his lifetime. His works covered a wide range of topics, including library science, information science, and education.
Recognition and Legacy
International Influence: Ranganathan’s work had a significant impact beyond India. His Colon Classification system and Five Laws of Library Science are studied and applied in library science programs worldwide.
Awards and Honors: Ranganathan received numerous awards for his contributions to library science, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, in 1957.
Ranganathan’s Day: August 12th, his birth anniversary, is celebrated as National Librarian’s Day in India, in recognition of his contributions to the field.
Later Life and Death
Later Years: Even after his retirement, Ranganathan continued to write and contribute to library science. He remained active in the field until his health began to decline in the 1960s.
Death: S.R. Ranganathan passed away on September 27, 1972, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence library science and information management.
Impact and Continuing Influence
Educational Institutions: Several institutions, including the Ranganathan Research Circle, were established in his honor to continue his work in library science.
Ongoing Relevance: Ranganathan’s principles and methodologies remain relevant in the digital age, as libraries adapt to new forms of information storage and retrieval.
Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s life and work have had a lasting impact on the field of library science, earning him recognition as a pioneer who transformed the way libraries function in India and around the world.
Users Today : 33
Total views : 642876