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Unit 2: Laws of Library Science

2.6.4 Implications – Classification and the Catalogue Notes

One important implication of the increasing intake of books on a variety of new subjects is that
the classification scheme adopted should be hospitable to the subjects. It should not be that
subjects of different degrees of depth should share the same class number. If they do, retrieval of
books on the same subject would become difficult. The growth factor of a library also points to
the need for a catalogue, like the card catalogue, which would permit the interpolation of
entries.

2.6.5 Implications – Modernisation

Libraries, especially the large ones, which grow fast in their size and services, may have to think
of computerisation of the various house keeping jobs like the acquisition, circulation, cataloguing,
etc., of books libraries.
2.6.6 Implications – Provision for the Future

Another important message of the physical growth of the library is that while planning and
designing a library building there should be provision for the expansion of the building both
horizontally and vertically. The need for more space often arises much sooner than anticipated
and the lack of provision for expansion would block its development.

2.6.7 Implications – Weeding out of Books

Reference was made earlier to the development of a library, similar to that of an adult. This
development should include weeding out of obsolete and unwanted books and adding new
ones which are relevant and useful. Some librarians hold the view that after a stage of
development, the number of books weeded out will equal the number of books added. This
view gives rise to the concept of a self-renewing library. Although this may not be entirely true,
there is no doubt that the rate of growth would come down after a certain stage when the
weeding out of books becomes a regular feature.

Weeding out need not necessarily mean the discarding of books. It only means the removal of
the books from a library where their relevance has ceased in order to make room for current and
relevant books. Such books may be stored where they are available for occasional use. Different
libraries in one area can store such books at a central place. This can be one of the areas of
cooperation among libraries.

Task Critically analyse how education in library science varies from country to country.
Compare and contrast the education in library science in the United States and Canada.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
16. ………………. growth is chiefly characterised by growth in physical dimensions.

17. The readers of the library are also bound to grow especially in a library that functions in
keeping with the spirit of the ……………. law of library science.
18. ………………… need not necessarily mean the discarding of books.

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