Ranganathan’s laws in a nutshell

By Shorba Harku

Librarians ought to be familiar with the name Ranganathan. For those not, let me break it down for you. Dr Shiyali Ramamrita Ranganathan (1892-1972) was an Indian librarian and mathematician. His most notable contribution to the field of librarianship were his five laws of library science which encapsulates a library's function and purpose. The five laws are:

1. Books are for use

2. Every reader, his/her book

3. Every book, its reader

4. Save the time of the reader

5. The library is a growing organism

While these laws appear rudimentary, they capture the essential meaning and convey a deep understanding of libraries (Leiter, 2003). Though these laws originally focused on physical libraries, they are still relevant in this digital age. 

Brief explanation of the five laws

Books are for use

This law encapsulates the essence of libraries.  This law pertains to the organization of the library’s collection and the promotion of its resources (Leiter, 2003). Think about the physical arrangement of books according to a library classification system or the arrangement of online resources that will be easily accessible by users.

Every reader, his/her book

The second law speaks mainly to the areas of acquisitions and collection development (Rimland, 2007). This law has financial implications for the library. The fundamental issue it reveals is weighing the cost of materials against the basic right of all persons to have access to the materials they need. To counteract this, Leiter (2003) maintains that a library needs to formulate policies to ensure that its collection is adequate to fulfill the expectations of its users.

Every book, its reader

This law addresses the issue of access. Especially in this digital age, this law highlights the importance of providing access to a wide range of online resources. UKZN libraries subscribe to and provide access to online databases, e-journals and e-books to meet the needs of researchers and students, as well as provide services such as interlibrary loans and open access initiatives.

 

Save the time of the reader

This rule emphasizes the efficiency in information access and delivery. Technology has assisted librarians in this role. The use of online catalogues and online databases means that the user has access to information at the click of a button. At UKZN the intercampus loans option means that users do not have to travel to other campuses to obtain a certain book.

The library is a growing organism

This law encapsulates the need for libraries to adjust to the constantly changing requirements of its users. This means that library practices and procedures need to adapt to new technologies and user expectations.

 In conclusion, while Ranganathan’s laws were formulated in the early twentieth century, his basic principles are timeless as they provide an important framework for understanding the role of libraries in society. Furthermore, his laws provide us with a renewed appreciation and perspective on our work as librarians (Leiter, 2003).

References

Leiter, R. A. 2003. Reflections on Ranganathan’s five laws of library science. Law Library Journal, 95, 411–418.

Rimland, E. 2007. Ranganathan's relevant rules. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 46, 24-27.

The evolving role of Librarians in information literacy and AI

 

By Nontobeko Sikhosana

In an era where information is abundant and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how we access and interpret knowledge; the role of librarians has never been more crucial—or more dynamic. Traditionally seen as gatekeepers of books and academic resources, librarians today are key players in helping communities navigate the ever-changing information landscape. They are no longer just custodians of knowledge but are emerging as digital guides, educators, and ethical stewards in the age of AI.

• From Information Seekers to Critical Thinkers

One of the most essential responsibilities of librarians is promoting information literacy. In a world flooded with misinformation, disinformation, and deepfakes, knowing how to find reliable information and evaluate its credibility is a critical life skill.

Librarians teach users how to:

Identify trustworthy sources

Evaluate bias and intent

Understand academic integrity

Use databases and search tools effectively

These skills empower students, researchers, and the general public to become critical thinkers in a digital-first world.

·       Embracing AI as a Tool and a Teaching Moment

As AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and others become increasingly integrated into daily research and learning, librarians are stepping up to guide their ethical and effective use.

Librarians are:

Introducing users to AI-powered research tools

Offering training on how to craft effective prompts

Teaching the basics of AI, including its limitations and ethical concerns

Helping institutions develop responsible AI use policies

By demystifying AI, librarians bridge the gap between technology and responsible information use.

·       Ethical Leadership and Digital Equity

AI raises important questions about privacy, bias, access, and data ownership. Librarians play a pivotal role in these conversations, advocating for:

Ethical information practices

Inclusive access to digital tools and AI technologies

Data literacy and protection

Institutional awareness of algorithmic bias

They also help ensure that underrepresented communities are not left behind in the AI revolution.

·       Librarians as Lifelong Learners and Educators

To stay ahead, librarians continuously upskill, experimenting with new technologies and adapting their services. Many now lead workshops, collaborate in digital humanities projects, and advise on research strategies that include AI integration.

They are indispensable partners in academia, supporting faculty, students, and researchers in navigating this evolving landscape.

Librarians are at the forefront of two critical missions: upholding information literacy and guiding responsible AI use. Their work ensures that individuals and institutions don’t just consume information and technology—but understand, question, and use it wisely.

In this fast-paced digital world, librarians are not being replaced by AI—they’re empowering us to use it better.

References

Akakpo, M.G., 2024. Skilled for the future: information literacy for AI use by university students in Africa and the role of librarians. Internet Reference Services Quarterly, 28(1), pp.19-26.

Hossain, Z., 2025. School librarians developing AI literacy for an AI-driven future: leveraging the AI Citizenship Framework with scope and sequence. Library Hi Tech News, 42(2), pp.17-21.

Cox, A.M. and Pinfield, S., 2020. Research data management and libraries: Current activities and future priorities. Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology, 71(11), pp.1341–1357. https://doi.org/10.1002/asi.24340

Hervieux, S. and Wheatley, A., 2024. Building an AI Literacy Framework: Perspectives from Instruction Librarians and Current Information Literacy Tools.