✉️ M1L1: Library and Its Purposes
Definition of a Library:
A library is a collection of books, periodicals, and other informational materials organized for
reading, reference, or study. It can be physical or digital.
Main Purposes of a Library:
1. Educational Purpose: Support learning through access to textbooks, references, and
study materials.
2. Informational Purpose: Offer current facts, data, and news through reference books
and journals.
3. Cultural Purpose: Promote arts, culture, and heritage through events, exhibitions, and
collections.
4. Recreational Purpose: Encourage leisure reading with novels, comics, magazines, and
multimedia.
Functions of a Library:
● Collection and preservation of knowledge.
● Providing access to information.
● Supporting formal and informal education.
● Promoting reading habits and lifelong learning.
Role in Society:
● Acts as a community hub for knowledge sharing.
● Supports democracy by making information accessible to all.
📗 M1L2: Types of Libraries
1. Academic Libraries:
● Found in schools, colleges, and universities.
● Serve students, teachers, researchers.
● Examples: School Library, College Library.
2. Public Libraries:
● Open to everyone in the community.
● Free or low-cost services.
● Examples: Delhi Public Library.
3. Special Libraries:
● Serve specific professions or organizations.
● Examples: Law library, Medical library, Corporate library.
4. National Libraries:
● Collect and preserve all publications of a country.
● Examples: National Library of India, Kolkata.
Differences Based on:
● User group
● Collection type
● Services provided
📚 M1L3: Five Laws of Library Science
Formulated by: Dr. S.R. Ranganathan (Father of Library Science in India)
1. Books are for use:
○ Books should be freely accessible, not just preserved.
○ Libraries must be user-friendly with good infrastructure.
2. Every reader his/her book:
○ Libraries should serve the needs of all types of users.
○ Collections should match diverse interests.
3. Every book its reader:
○ Promote usage of all books.
○ Use cataloging, displays, and outreach to connect readers with materials.
4. Save the time of the reader:
○ Libraries must be efficient.
○ Use OPAC, signage, trained staff, and digital tools.
5. Library is a growing organism:
○ Libraries must evolve with technology and user needs.
○ Regular updates to collections and systems are essential.
📄 M1L4: Library Staff and Their Duties
Types of Library Staff:
● Librarian: Head of the library. Plans and manages all operations.
● Assistant Librarian: Supports the librarian in technical and administrative tasks.
● Library Assistant/Clerk: Issues and receives books, keeps records.
● Peon/Attendant: Maintains cleanliness and order.
Duties Include:
● Cataloguing books
● Shelving and classification
● Helping users locate materials
● Maintaining discipline and order
Qualities of Good Library Staff:
● Polite and helpful
● Technically skilled
● Organized and disciplined
🔹 M1L5: Library and Information Services
Types of Services:
1. Responsive Services (Passive):
○ Provided when users ask for help.
○ Examples:
■ Lending service
■ Reservation of documents
■ Reference service (short and long range)
■ Reprography
■ Translation
2. Anticipatory Services (Active):
○ Offered without a specific request.
○ Examples:
■ Current Awareness Service (CAS)
■ Selective Dissemination of Information (SDI)
■ Indexing and abstracting services
Reference Service Types:
● Ready Reference: Quick answers to factual questions.
● Long Range Reference: Detailed research support.
User Education Methods:
● Library orientation
● Bibliographic instruction
● Information literacy training
Impact of Technology:
● Use of OPAC, databases, digital libraries
● Automated circulation and cataloging
