- Fundamentals of Library Science
- Importance of library science
- The Five Laws of Library Science
- 1- The books are to be used
- 2- To each reader his book
- 3- To each book its reader
- 4- You have to save time for the reader
- 5- The library is a growing organism
- Other theories
- Challenges of a librarian
- References
The library is the science libraries in all respects, defined by the Royal Spanish Academy. The term comes from the Greek words 'biblion' which means book, 'theke' defined as box and 'logos' translated into verb.
The word was introduced by the professor and bibliophile Domingo Buonocuore in 1940. At that time he defined it as a set of knowledge related to books and libraries.
As a science, librarianship is in charge of everything related to libraries. Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
However, there are indications that this science has had a theoretical tradition for at least a century, as highlighted by the writer Jaime Díaz Ortega in one of his published investigations.
Ortega also mentions the existence of evidence that librarianship was constantly established as a discipline.
Over the years, some have used the term librarianship as a substitute for librarianship, being the subject of study. Some authors define them as equals, but in reality library science is a branch of this information science.
The study is supported by other auxiliary disciplines, the most important are palaeography, philology and historical methodology.
Fundamentals of Library Science
According to the theoretical and philosophical bases of library science, man has the need for information to do and not to act. Hence the scientific research and the search for knowledge in politics, economics and other areas.
It is based on the study, formation of theories and methods to organize, systematize and classify all types of bibliographic research, not only printed, but also electronic.
One of the objectives of this science is to provide necessary knowledge in an organized way with books, documents, cards and all material capable of clearing up doubts and providing understanding on any subject.
In library science as a science, the library system is considered a phenomenon. It covers the use and study of bookstores, not only traditional but also virtual, where in addition to books it is possible to have access to any documented information on the activities of humanity.
Those who specialize in library science also deal with:
- The spaces where the dissemination of knowledge takes place.
- Human, financial and technological resources.
- Technical developments applied to libraries.
- Study of the laws that cover the library sector.
- Training of professionals in the area.
- Research on the sector and its structure.
- Each of the processes that take place within a library.
- Analyze this discipline and how it develops with other branches of knowledge.
Importance of library science
Today, library science has also adapted to new technologies. Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
The importance of this science lies in the fact that it is in charge of managing human knowledge for its correct dissemination and, therefore, making society understand the value of information both in the present and in the future.
Librarianship was born from the need to organize, preserve and disseminate documents written by man from its beginnings to our times.
To make this process more effective, procedures and methods were created that over time were perfected.
Today in various houses of study the preparation of professionals in library science is offered.
Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, among other nations, have conducted studies on this information science.
The Five Laws of Library Science
The mathematician and librarian Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan proposed in 1931 a theory on the principles of libraries.
Ranganathan explained that these are not natural norms, but normative principles that all organizational measures must obey. Today around the world they are accepted as the five laws of library science.
1- The books are to be used
In his work in the libraries he noticed that the books were chained and that the authorities were focused on preservation and not use. He argued that if users were unable to access the publications their value was not appreciated. He worked to make writing more accessible to the public.
2- To each reader his book
For Ranganathan, people without distinction of social class had the right to read, learn and know through letters.
Hence the importance of librarians knowing general culture, understanding the needs and preferences of society because it is to them that it offers a service.
The libraries thus had a mission, to make the titles of their encyclopedias known, that they coincide with the community's search to promote reading.
3- To each book its reader
In Ranganathan's theories within bookstores, methods can be devised for the book to find its appropriate reader.
One of the most effective ways is to have open shelves and each encyclopedia to have an adequate and determined space within the learning rooms.
4- You have to save time for the reader
A bookstore is successful when it offers excellent service to its users and part of that is saving you time. With a better administration of the premises, trained personnel, the user finds what he needs efficiently and thus appreciates his stay in the place.
5- The library is a growing organism
For Ranganathan, libraries are places with constant change and growth, so organization and training are essential.
Within these enclosures the expansion of the reading areas, shelves, acquisition of new titles must always be programmed. Over time updating becomes vital to the place.
Other theories
Between 2004 and 2015, other librarians incorporated some variants to the Ranganathan standards to adapt them to the needs of new users, public libraries and the incorporation of the web as a new way of searching for information.
Challenges of a librarian
The work field of a librarian is broader than a library because it goes beyond caring for and storing books.
Important companies require this professional profile to classify and order documentary information.
You can develop projects for the contribution of knowledge to society. In addition to being in constant training and updating of general culture and technology, in order to effectively organize the documents of any company or institution.
References
- Miguel Angel Rendón Rojas (2005) Theoretical and philosophical bases of library science
- Jaime Ríos Ortega (2008) Didactics of Library Science: Theory and Principles from the teaching of science.
- Felipe Martínez Arellano, Juan José Calva González (2003) Library research, present and future.
- Eric de Grolier. Perspectives on Library and Information Policy and Ranganathan's Heritage
- Information Sciences Department. Faculty of Communication of the University of Havana. Librarianship in two stages