Father of library movement

S.R. RANGANATHAN _ Pragmatic Philosopher of Information Science _ A Personal Biography: Ranganathan Yogeshwar; Bhavans Book University, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Kulapati Munshi Marg, Mumbai- 400007. Rs. 250.

IN THIS book - a personal biography - the author, the only son of Dr. S.R. Ranganathan, father of library and information science movement of India and an independent industrial consultant, analyses all facets of his personal as well as professional life.

The impact of Ranganathan's works and life on balanced social progress in today's context in India and elsewhere was well assessed by late C. Subramaniam, World President of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

The foreword was written by Mr. Douglas J. Foskett, who was one of Ranganathan's close collaborators and a founding member of the Classification Research Group (CRG), U.K. The introduction was written by another eminent person in the profession and a student of SRR, who is none other than Abdul Rahman Kamaruddin, an international advisor on information systems and services. One of his articles (1960s) gave the message "Library science, when fully developed, may become the pilot of the dynamics of the universe of knowledge{hellip} propelling it in the right direction to result in a greater efflorescence of human happiness.'' This is the essence of SRR's life as depicted in the book.

His entire life was fully dedicated to the cause of library science education and library movement. He visualised libraries as resources for perpetual self-education, knowledge and information.

This is true today in the context of distant learning education system. He was one of the few librarians who fostered and developed the libraries of India - public, academic, scientific and research libraries.

Library legislation is yet another milestone in his contribution to library movement of India, besides his efforts in development of theories, principles, etc., to make it as one of the sciences of universe of knowledge. He has also made his impact on western librarianship, which has added considerably to his image.

He inspired all library professionals to become a part of his life itself. His personal life was so much interwoven with his professional life.

This book is more than a biography. It is a rich insight into a variety of experiences and is an intellectual treat to its readers. It portrays how a revolutionary stalwart virtually created a new discipline, heralded a library movement in India and influenced nearly three generations of library and information professionals worldwide. Therefore, it should be of considerable interest to all those concerned with libraries, information science and information systems, in the words of Abdul Rahman Kamaruddin.

The author has presented the life of SRR, personal as well as professional in his own style, but followed SRR's style of presentation.

The presentation is systematic and is arranged in 33 headings. Of them, 24 have subheadings logically arranged. A broad chronology of significant events covering the eight decades of Ranganathan's life-time is shown under the sub-heading "Milestones'' under heading "Prologue'' which gives his whole life-history. There are 88 illustrations in the book. All are unique in their own merits with respect to his personal and professional life.

This personal biography is a meaningful document for the young generation who desire to become a library and information professional.

Also a thought-provoking material for the library world, this book is an indispensable resource for any one interested in the roots, milestones and developments of library and information science, not only in India but also abroad.

R. VENGAN

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