By using first law Books are for use you are prone to think that it is a self-evident truth or simple statement which does not merit serious consideration and contemplation. But, on deep pondering you change your opinion. This will become evident if we examine the history of books in libraries. In fact, the earlier accent is on the preservation of books rather than their use. Medieval libraries were an example of chained libraries. The books literally were attached to the shelves with brass chains and could only be used in a single location. Obviously, this was done for the preservation of books rather than facilitating their use. This was a natural inclination, at a time when it was very difficult to produce books. This habit some how continued even after the invention of printing, which facilitated the easy production of several copies of each book. Although, isolated examples of reluctance to permit the unrestricted use of books can be occasionally seen even today, the general position is that books are available for use without any let or hindrance. In fact, policies relating to a library should be helpful in promoting the objective of books being put to maximum use. Let us now examine the implications of the first law in the functioning of a library.
Implications
The first law of library science has some important messages for library work. Some of these relate to the location of library, its working hours, library building and furniture and the staff.
a) Library Location
For example, it has a forward thinking message in terms of the emphasis on library location. The law advocates that library be located in a more accessible place in order to encourage more users to use the library. Obviously, it will be a discouragement for people to use books, if they have to walk long distance to reach them. At the same time, the location where the library is situated should be free from noise and other disturbances, so that serious study is possible. An ideal place for a public library should be a quiet central area, while a school library should be located in a prominent place in the school premises. The idea that a university library should constitute the heart of the university, then it should be reflected in its geographical location as well.
b) Working Hours
Another important message inherent in the first law is that the working hours of a library should be convenient to most of the users. Many of the libraries in India need to pay special attention to this aspect and keep them open when their clientele are not engaged in other activities so that they are in a position to visit the library. This type of proactive approach in deciding the working hours of the library will certainly yield good results.
c) Library Building and Furniture
The first law demands that proper attention be paid to the planning and designing of the library building and the different items of furniture equipped to the library. The library building should be functional and at the same time, aesthetic in appeal. The items of furniture should be functional, attractive to look at. The racks should be designed in such a way that books are placed at convenient heights facilitating their removal and use by the clientele. Particularly furniture in children’s library should be specially designed to attract children. Comfortable furniture always tempts users to frequent the library. The law also implies the concept of a open-shelf library that is equipped with tools and furnishings which makes the books it contains useful. In other words, the first law alerts us to the requirements of properly designed functional building and comfortable furniture to invite and promote the use of its resources.
d) Staff
Staff form an important component of any library. The first law of library science for its fulfilment calls for certain qualifications and qualities for library staff. Though Dr. Ranganathan has spent considerable space in discussing about library staff in his exposition of the first law, the essence boils down to these important attributes: The library staff should possess qualifications that would enable them to organise library efficiently and provide satisfactory services. Obviously, this would ensure the proper use of books. But, much more important than formal qualifications are, perhaps, the personal qualities of the library staff. They should be courteous, cheerful and helpful. Service with a smile should be the motto. The staff should always remember that, everything that they do in the library is a means towards an end, and the end is service to the readers. If a potential library user encounters an unhelpful attitude on the part of the member of the staff, s/he is sure to turn away permanently from the library.. in such a contingency, the cause of the first law is not served rather it is defeated. The credibility of the staff, in respect of their knowledge, ability and personal attitude to readers, is a crucial factor in the promotion of the use of the books. The attributes discussed above deserve special consideration while library staff is recruited. This is necessary to satisfy the requirements of the first law.
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