Librarianship and Professional Ethics

​​Dr. S.R. Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science succinctly encapsulate the essence of good librarianship, guiding professionals in achieving the ideals and objectives necessary for user service and efficient organizational functionality. The multifaceted nature of the Library and Information Science (LIS) profession necessitates a comprehensive philosophy that integrates various approaches, ensuring a well-rounded and practical foundation.

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The Five Laws of Library Science, as enunciated by Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, serve as fundamental principles for every LIS professional:

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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.

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1. Librarianship: A Noble Profession

Librarianship is a noble and esteemed profession dedicated to the service of humanity. It is not a commercial enterprise; rather, it requires a commitment to high ideals and ethical principles. Librarians must uphold and enhance these ideals to ensure the steady growth of the profession. As Dr. Ranganathan aptly stated, “Librarianship is a noble profession. A librarian derives joy in witnessing the happiness of readers who find the right books at the right time.”

The success of a librarian is measured not by financial gain but by the quality of service provided. A profession can be defined based on the following criteria:

• Intellectual operations coupled with significant individual responsibilities.

• A foundation in the science and art of learning.

• Practical application of knowledge.

• An educationally communicable technique.

• A tendency towards self-organization.

• Increasingly altruistic motivation.

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2. Duties of a Librarian

Librarianship entails several duties that serve as guiding principles for the profession.

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2. 1. Duty Towards Readers

Librarians exist to serve readers, fostering an unbreakable bond of trust and guidance. They are often referred to as guides, teachers of teachers, information officers, resource managers, and knowledge managers. Their primary responsibility is to ensure readers find the information they need efficiently.

The Fourth Law of Library Science—“Save the time of the reader”—obligates librarians to implement time-saving strategies to sustain reader interest and engagement.

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2. 2. Duty Towards Books

Books are the lifeblood of intellectual thought and the foundation of any library. Just as a human being has a soul, subtle body, and physical form, books possess content (soul), presentation (subtle body), and physical components such as paper, binding, and printing (body).

Librarians have a duty to protect books from damage caused by insects, dust, fire, water, and theft. Regular maintenance, repairs, and preventive measures must be undertaken. The Third Law—“Every book its reader”—requires librarians to actively promote book usage through signage, stack guides, labels, and thematic lectures.

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2. 3. Duty Towards the Profession

Librarianship is a profession that demands special training, education, and ethical conduct. To uphold its esteemed status, librarians must exhibit professionalism and avoid unethical business practices.

Librarians should support their colleagues and cultivate camaraderie among professionals to enhance intellectual and material well-being. They should refrain from speaking negatively about predecessors and fellow professionals, as this diminishes the reputation of the field.

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2. 4. Duty Towards Library Staff

Library staff members are colleagues who contribute to the efficient functioning of the institution. A librarian should ensure fairness in work distribution and maintain a professional, respectful work environment. Assignments should be distributed equitably, without favouritism or bias.

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2. 5. Duty Towards Oneself

A librarian must be well-versed in the books and resources available in their collection. They should possess broad knowledge across multiple subjects while specializing in key areas. Self-improvement is crucial for effective service delivery.

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3. Essential Qualities of a Librarian

To be successful, a librarian must uphold the following seven principles:

3.1 Impersonal Book Selection – Selection should be based on quality rather than personal preferences.

3.2 Service Before Self – The primary objective should be to fulfil readers’ needs.

3.3 Split-Mind Ability – Librarians should efficiently handle multiple inquiries and remember pending reader                    requests.

3.4 Sympathetic Behaviour – A compassionate and encouraging attitude fosters reader confidence and trust.

3.5 Tact – Dealing with diverse individuals requires diplomatic and thoughtful interaction.

3.6 Industry – Librarianship demands dedication, hard work, and perseverance.

3.7 Scholarship – A librarian should be knowledgeable and able to guide readers effectively.

 

4. Professional Misconduct

Professional misconduct is a serious offense that undermines the credibility of librarianship. Any failure to uphold the duties outlined above constitutes professional immorality. Library associations at national and state levels must establish standards to identify and address such misconduct, ensuring adherence to ethical practices.

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5. Library Professional Associations

All library professionals should actively engage in professional associations to promote the growth and development of the field. It is recommended that every librarian allocate at least 1% of their annual gross pay for professional development:

• 0.5% to support library associations.

• 0.5% for individual professional activities, including training, academic writing, research, and publication.

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6. Summary

The principles outlined above should serve as the guiding framework for librarians. These are not merely theoretical precepts but are derived from the wisdom and experience of seasoned professionals. If adhered to with sincerity, these principles will elevate librarianship to a status comparable to other noble professions such as law and medicine.

By embracing these ethics and responsibilities, librarians can ensure the continued growth and success of the profession, fostering knowledge and learning for future generations.