Understanding Ranganathan's Laws and Connaway & Faniel's Adaptation

S.R. Ranganathan, a renowned Indian librarian, proposed the foundational Five Laws of Library Science, which have guided library practices for decades. These laws are:

• First Law: Books are for use.
• Second Law: Every reader his or her book.
• Third Law: Every book its reader.
• Fourth Law: Save the time of the reader.
• Fifth Law: The library is a growing organism.

The book 'Reordering Ranganathan: Shifting User Behaviours, Shifting Priorities', authored by Connaway and Faniel (published by OCLC Research in 2014), examines how user behaviors and information access have evolved, especially in the digital age. This context prompts a re-evaluation of Ranganathan's original laws.

Identifying the New Second Law

Connaway and Faniel's work explores modern library challenges and user needs. In this context, they propose adaptations or reinterpretations of Ranganathan's principles. The study highlights a shift in focus regarding the library's core mission towards users.

Specifically, the book discusses a revised understanding of the second law. While Ranganathan's original second law was "Every reader his or her book", Connaway and Faniel, reflecting contemporary user-centric approaches and the diversity of information needs, identify a new formulation for the second law. This new formulation emphasizes inclusivity and individual user requirements.

According to their analysis in 'Reordering Ranganathan', the re-envisioned second law is presented as:

Every person his or her book

This phrasing broadens the scope from just 'readers' to 'person', encompassing all potential users, and maintains the core idea of connecting each individual with the specific resources they need, aligning with modern library service principles.