News
National Librarian Day Special - Daily Excelsior
The OER Observatory aggregates and displays OER-related news and content from third-party sources worldwide. This content is not produced by UNESCO or the OER Dynamic Coalition. All rights and responsibility for the original content remain with the respective authors and publishers. The inclusion of third-party content in the Observatory does not imply endorsement by UNESCO or the OER Dynamic Coalition. Users can access the original source through the link provided with each item.
A Tribute To Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan Dr. R.K. Samnotra , Dr. Asha Rani asharani2lib@gmail.com Every year on 12 August, the library and information science community across India celebrates the birth anniversary of Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, popularly...
Dr. R.K. Samnotra , Dr. Asha Rani
asharani2lib@gmail.com
Every year on 12 August, the library and information science community across India celebrates the birth anniversary of Padmashri Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, popularly known as the Father of Library Science in India. His life and work transformed the concept of libraries and laid the foundation for modern librarianship in the country. On this special occasion, it is important to remember his remarkable contribution and reflect on how his vision continues to guide libraries towards excellence.
Dr. S. R. Ranganathan was not only an outstanding librarian but also a mathematician, educationist, researcher and visionary thinker. At a time when libraries were often viewed merely as places for storing books, he introduced a completely new way of thinking. His philosophy placed people at the centre of library services and encouraged Librarians to become facilitators of learning rather than custodians of books.
The role of libraries has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Earlier, libraries mainly provided printed books and journals. Today, they offer access to e-books, e-journals, digital repositories, multimedia resources, institutional archives, research databases, and Open Educational Resources. Despite these technological changes, the purpose of libraries remains unchanged -- to connect people with authentic and useful knowledge. This timeless vision reflects the philosophy that Dr. Ranganathan promoted throughout his life.
The influence of Dr. Ranganathan can be seen in almost every modern library. His contributions helped establish librarianship as an important academic discipline in India. Even today, students of Library and Information Science begin their academic journey by studying his ideas and understanding his vision for libraries.
The emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has opened a new chapter in library development. AI-powered discovery systems, intelligent search tools, automated cataloguing, multilingual translation and virtual reference services are transforming the way information is organized and accessed. These technologies improve efficiency and help users locate relevant information quickly. However, technology should always serve human needs. The values of accuracy, fairness, equal access and quality service remain central to librarianship. Dr. Ranganathan's vision reminds us that technology is meaningful only when it helps people learn, discover and grow.
Agricultural universities, medical institutions, engineering colleges, and research organizations depend heavily on strong library systems. In agricultural universities, libraries provide access to scientific publications, research reports, extension literature, government documents and international databases that support innovation in farming and rural development. By connecting researchers with reliable information, libraries contribute to food security, sustainable agriculture, environmental conservation, and national development.
A practical example of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's vision can be seen in the SKUAST-Jammu Library, which has recently earmarked dedicated reading areas, including an open-air reading facility to provide a comfortable and user-friendly learning environment. The library is also undertaking a QR-code scanning process for its all reading materials to make resources easier to identify, access, and manage with the purpose to save the time of the users. These initiatives reflect Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science by keeping books and services easily accessible and placing the needs of users at the centre. Such efforts show how the timeless principles of Ranganathan can be applied through innovative and technology-enabled library services in the modern era.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has recognized the importance of libraries in improving the quality of education and research in India. It encourages the use of digital technologies, interdisciplinary learning, research culture, and equitable access to knowledge. Libraries are expected to play a leading role in achieving these objectives. This national vision closely reflects the principles of service, innovation, and continuous growth that Dr. Ranganathan advocated throughout his career.
As India moves towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, libraries will become even more important in building a knowledge-driven society. They will support innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, and informed decision-making. Modern libraries must continue to adopt emerging technologies while preserving their core mission of providing free, reliable and inclusive access to knowledge. Investments in digital infrastructure, skilled library professionals, open-access initiatives and user-centered services will help libraries meet the needs of future generations.
The greatest lesson we learn from Dr. Ranganathan is that a library is not measured by the number of books it owns but by the quality of service it provides to its users. A successful library creates opportunities for learning, encourages curiosity, supports research, preserves cultural heritage, and strengthens democratic access to information. These values remain as important today as they were during his lifetime.
On the birth anniversary of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, we pay heartfelt tribute to a visionary whose ideas continue to shape libraries across India and the world. His dedication to education, knowledge and public service has left a lasting impact on society. Every library that welcomes learners, supports researchers, embraces innovation and promotes equal access to information carries forward his remarkable legacy. Dr. S. R. Ranganathan's legacy is not confined to history; it lives in every library that serves its community with dedication and excellence. His vision continues to inspire generations of library professionals to transform libraries into vibrant centres of learning, innovation and social progress. On his birth anniversary, let us renew our commitment to building libraries that empower people, enrich education and contribute to a more informed, enlightened, and prosperous nation.
(The Authors are from SKUAST-Jammu Library)