Library and information services are key actors in providing unhindered access to essential resources for economic and cultural advance. In doing so, they contribute effectively to the development and maintenance of intellectual freedom, safeguarding democratic values and universal civil rights.

The main objective of this volume “Foundations of Library and Information Science” is to acquaint students with the basic philosophy of Library and information Science with due consideration to the above aspects, and try to painted and envisioned picture in seven units namely Library as Social Institution, Development of Libraries in India, Role of Library and Information Centers in Modern Society, Laws of Library Science, Types of Libraries, Library Development, Library Publicity.

The publication is quite useful to the students of UG, PG and Research scholars in Library and Information Science in B.Lib. and M.Lib. regular and semester pattern as per UGC course curriculum and doctoral students in all universities and also to the students of SET/NET for through pre-preparation. The edition is also immense useful to the Library professionals being a quality indicator for references.

Dr. Shriram M. Rokade, University Librarian and Head Department of Library and Information Science,  Gondwana University, Gadchiroli, Maharashtra, India.

1. Library as Social Institution

• The Concept of Social and Social Institution
• Historical Perspectives of Libraries in India and Social Concern
• Society and History of Civilization
• Social Origin of Library
• Need of Library as Social Institution
• Organization of Library as a Social Institution
• Social Function of Library
• Social Responsibility of Libraries
• Changing Role of Library and Information Science Centres

2. Development of Libraries in India

• Concept of Libraries in India
• Libraries in Ancient India
• Libraries in Medieval India
• Libraries in Modern India
• Public Library Scenario in India
• Role of Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation
• Foundation of National Library
• National Mission on Libraries (NML)

3. Role of Library and Information Centers in Modern Society

• Modern Society: Definition and Meaning
• Characteristics of Modern Society
• Need of Modern Society
• Library and Information Centers in Modern Society
• Library and Education
• Library and Changing Society
• Expanding Role of Library in Modern Society
• IFLA/UNESCO Public Library Manifesto (1994)
• References

4. Laws of Library Science

• Five Laws of Library Science
• Implications of Five Laws in Library and Information Science
• A Wider Interpretation of Five Laws
• References

5. Types of Libraries

• Different Types of Libraries
• Academic Libraries
• Special Libraries and Information Centres
• Public Libraries
• National Library of India: Concept, functions and Services
• The Research Libraries
• Mobile Libraries and Children Libraries
• Government Libraries
• References

6. Library Development

• History of Writing
• What Is Writing and Who Need It
• Writing Material and Printing in India
• References

7. Library Publicity

• Public Relation and Publicity
• Extension Activities and Outreach Services
• Ways of Library Public Relation to Touch Communities
• Public Relation and Academic Libraries
• Library Publicity
• References

Index