Every year on August 12, India celebrates National Librarian’s Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of a pioneering figure whose vision transformed the world of libraries – Dr Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan, widely known as the Father of Library Science in India. This day not only pays homage to his immense contributions but also recognises the crucial role librarians play in shaping an informed and literate society.
Dr S.R. Ranganathan was born on August 9, 1892, in the small town of Shiyali (now known as Sirkazhi) in the Madras Presidency of British India, now Tamil Nadu. He hailed from a humble Tamil Brahmin family, steeped in traditional values and intellectual curiosity. From a young age, Ranganathan showed a keen interest in learning. His academic excellence led him to pursue higher education in mathematics, a subject that would later shape his analytical and systematic approach to library science.
He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mathematics and briefly served as a lecturer. His life took an unexpected turn in 1924 when he was appointed as the University Librarian at the University of Madras, despite having no prior experience or formal training in library science. Initially reluctant, Ranganathan eventually accepted the post and travelled to London to study contemporary library systems. There, he enrolled at the School of Librarianship at University College London, and that decision changed not just his own life but the future of libraries in India.
Upon his return to India, Dr Ranganathan brought with him not just academic knowledge but a deep conviction to modernise and Indianize the library system. He observed that Indian libraries were stagnant, with poor infrastructure, limited access, and no scientific cataloguing methods. He believed that libraries were not just storehouses of books but dynamic instruments of education, culture, and development.
In 1931, he introduced his Five Laws of Library Science, a landmark in the field of global library thought. These laws continue to be the foundation of library philosophy across the world:
1. Books are for use.
2. Every reader has his or her book.
3. Every book has its reader.
4. Save the time of the reader.
5. The library is a growing organism.
These simple yet profound laws revolutionised library thinking by emphasising user-centric services, accessibility, and the evolving nature of libraries. They shifted the focus from mere collection management to public service, promoting the idea that libraries must serve the needs of every individual in society.
In Jammu & Kashmir, these principles have greatly influenced the establishment and functioning of college and public libraries. Institutions such as the Allama Iqbal Library at the University of Kashmir and the Central Library of the University of Jammu have implemented user-centred services that reflect Ranganathan’s philosophy. His vision encouraged a service-oriented mindset, which helped librarians in J&K transform libraries from passive repositories into active knowledge hubs.
One of Ranganathan’s most significant contributions was the development of the Colon Classification System in 1933. Unlike the widely used Dewey Decimal System, Ranganathan’s system was far more analytical and flexible. It categorised subjects using a combination of five fundamental facets: Personality, Matter, Energy, Space, and Time (PMEST), which allowed more precise and multi-dimensional classification of books.
The system was particularly suited to Indian libraries, which often contained literature in diverse regional languages and interdisciplinary subjects. The Colon Classification System was not only a technical innovation but also a symbol of India’s intellectual independence in the field of library science.
Libraries across J&K, especially in colleges under the Higher Education Department, have adopted Ranganathan’s classification methods in their semi-automated or manual cataloguing systems. His ideas have helped improve the organisation and retrieval of information, particularly in remote areas where digital access is still developing.
Dr Ranganathan’s tireless advocacy led to the establishment of formal library science education in India. He played a pivotal role in the foundation of the Department of Library Science at the University of Delhi in 1947. He also helped draft the Indian Library Association (ILA) constitution and served in various academic and advisory roles nationally and internationally.
His influence reached beyond the academic realm. Ranganathan envisioned public libraries as community hubs that could bridge the literacy gap, provide career guidance, and support lifelong learning. His writings, including over 60 books and 1,000+ articles, remain essential reading for library professionals.
In Jammu & Kashmir, the public library system, under the J&K Department of Libraries and Research, reflects his dream of making books accessible to all. District libraries, mobile library vans, and reading rooms in rural areas echo Ranganathan’s core belief that knowledge must reach the last mile.
Though Dr Ranganathan was born on August 9, Librarian Day is observed on August 12, the day of his passing in 1972, to commemorate his entire life’s work and lasting impact. The day reminds us not only of a great man but also of the essential services librarians provide, organising knowledge, guiding readers, and nurturing an informed society.
Every year, colleges and universities in Jammu & Kashmir also observe Librarian Day with book exhibitions, lectures, and student engagement activities. It is an opportunity for young learners to appreciate the value of libraries and the visionary who laid their foundation.
In today’s age of artificial intelligence, e-books, and cloud storage, some may question the relevance of traditional library principles. Yet, Dr Ranganathan’s vision remains more relevant than ever. His Five Laws can be adapted to digital resources, information literacy, and knowledge management systems. His belief that libraries must grow and evolve is precisely what drives today’s transition to digital and hybrid libraries.
In Jammu & Kashmir, where digital infrastructure is steadily improving, Ranganathan’s ideals inspire ongoing efforts toward library automation and the development of e-resources in educational institutions. His emphasis on access, organisation, and user service continues to guide library professionals in the region.
Dr S.R. Ranganathan was more than a librarian; he was a reformer, educator, scientist, and nation-builder. Through his foresight, India gained not only a professionalised library system but also a deep-rooted respect for the role of libraries in national development. On this Librarian Day, let us remember and honour his immense legacy by continuing to support libraries, respect librarians, and promote knowledge sharing across generations.
Let us keep his vision alive: “Libraries for all, knowledge for everyone.”
The writer is a Library Professional, posted at the Government SAM Degree College, Budgam
Aadil Jahangir
aa**********@***il.com