RANGANATHAN'S FIVE LAWS REWRITTEN FOR THE 21ST CENTURY

Michael Stephens asked his library students at Dominican University (River Forest, Illinois, USA) how they would rewrite Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Librarianship. Here are the original laws and two newer versions.

Original Laws

1. Books are for use.

2. Every reader his or her book.

3. Every books its reader.

4. Save the time of the reader.

5. The library is a growing organism.

January 2007

1. Collections are for use.

2. Every collection its user.

3. Every user his collection.

4. Save time and energy of user.

5. The library is a growing organism.

September 2007
1. Materials are for use and not just in library
2. Every user his or her material
3. Materials are for all
4. Save the time of the user
5. The library is an evolving organism (catering to the needs of the community)

Fascinating.

(As seen on Michael's blog, Tame the Web.
URL: http://tametheweb.com/