Public Libraries in the Digital Age: Investigating the Implementation of Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science in Physical and Online Library Services

Abstract

This study explores how public libraries implement traditional principles of librarianship in the delivery of services in the digital age. The research aims to contribute discussion on the role of libraries by examining the relevance of traditional values to library services in the digital age. Ranganathan's Five Laws of Library Science were used as a framework for the investigation. The research examined how the Laws are implemented in the physical and online services of eleven public library systems in Greater London, England. Field research was employed in the investigation of physical library services, and content analysis of library system Web sites was used to examine online library services. Checklists of library services fulfilling the Laws were composed from review of the literature, and used as the instruments of data collection. The research suggests that traditional library values can be adapted for use in contemporary library environments. However, potential exists for the greater integration of traditional values with digital technologies to improve library services.