DrLibSc's Short Notes on "HISTORY OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE"

HISTORY OF LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE

1. Foundational Epistemology & Definitions

Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field that integrates practices from management, information technology, and education to handle the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources.

·        Terminology Evolution: The terms library science, librarianship, and library and information science are largely interchangeable. The combined phrase Library and Information Science (LIS) is preferred to highlight the scientific and technical foundations of the discipline. LIS should not be confused with information theory, which is the pure mathematical study of the concept of information.

·        Science vs. Philosophy: While library science focuses on developing and refining physical and digital techniques, library philosophy studies the fundamental aims and justifications of the profession.

·        Knowledge Organization: Library system frameworks function as specific socio-technical structures within the broader domain of knowledge organization. While library science manages physical and digital assets inside university or government nodes, general knowledge organization expands into global internet data processing, computer science, linguistics, and artificial intelligence.

2. Chronological Chronology of LIS

The historical timeline of the discipline spans major structural milestones across several centuries:

Timeline	Key Pioneer	Core Milestone / Historical Context
1627	Gabriel Naudé	French scholar published Advice on Establishing a Library (Advis pour dresser une bibliothèque), the earliest text on library operations. He applied these to Cardinal Jules Mazarin's library.
1808	Martin Schrettinger	Bavarian librarian coined the term 'Library Science' in his complete textbook. Broke away from nature-oriented setups and organized books alphabetically.
19th C.	Thomas Jefferson	Devised a subject classification for Monticello using the Baconian method. This collection provided the start of what became the Library of Congress.
1887	Melvil Dewey	Opened the School of Library Economy at Columbia University on January 5, 1887, establishing the first library school. The term 'library economy' predominated until 1942.
1916	Asa Don Dickinson	Published the Punjab Library Primer at the University of the Punjab (Lahore), the first LIS textbook in English globally and first library science program in Asia.
1923	C. C. Williamson	Issued 'The Williamson Report' under the Carnegie Corporation, designating that professional library science training should be formally housed within universities.
1931	S. R. Ranganathan	Published The Five Laws of Library Science and developed the world's first major analytico-synthetic system (Colon Classification). Celebrated as the Father of LIS in India.
20th C.	Lee Pierce Butler	Advocated quantitative research methods in social sciences at the University of Chicago Graduate Library School to steer away from purely procedural library economy frameworks.
1995	Modern Reworkings	Modernized versions of Ranganathan's laws were published to strip direct book references. Michael Gorman published Our Enduring Values, stating 8 principles incorporating digital formats.

3. Demographics, Gender, and Diversity Trends

Librarianship has historically manifested a dual career structure regarding gender dynamics in the United States, alongside shifting diversity profiles:

• The Leadership Gender Gap: While the workforce maintains an approximate 4:1 female-to-male ratio, top administrative positions have historically been held by men. For example, up to 2015, no woman had ever been appointed Librarian of Congress. Modern equity has progressed with women consistently holding the ALA Presidency since the 2009-2010 term, following a history where the first 35 years were male-dominated. Theresa Elmendorf was the first female president in 1911.

• Specialized ALA Feminist Task Forces: The Feminist Task Force (FTF, 1970) was the first ALA group to target sexism, running the 'Women of Library History' online tracking project. The Committee on the Status of Women in Librarianship (COSWL, 1976) and the Women & Gender Studies Section (WGSS) support specific collections, while the GLBT Roundtable (GLBTRT) addresses marginalized access profiles.

• Workforce Statistics (ALA 2009-2010): Out of 111,666 credentialed librarians, 98,273 were female and 20,393 were male. The age demographic heavily concentrated between 55-64, with 104,393 identifying as White, 6,160 as African American, 3,661 as Latino, and 3,260 as Asian Pacific Islander.

• Diversity Strategies: Innovation tools include the ALA Research Diversity Grant Program (awarding $2,500 annually to three scholars) and the Spectrum Scholarship Program (est. 1997). Proactive recruitment relies heavily on ethnic networks like the American Indian Library Association (AILA, 1979), Black Caucus (BCALA), Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA, 1973), and REFORMA (1971).

4. Specialized Library Communities & Accessibility

Modern information retrieval frameworks integrate explicit access equity parameters, specifically tracking services designed for the Deaf community:

·        Alice Hagemeyer: A key library activist who went back to school in the 1970s and emerged as the first official 'Librarian for the Deaf Community' in public library history. She compiled the foundational resource manual titled 'The Red Notebook'.

·        IFLA and ALA Accessibility Directives: The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions published 'Guidelines for Library Services to Deaf People'. These instruct institutions to install Text Telephones (TTYs), incorporate closed captioning, utilize updated assistive technology, and train library staff in cultural competency.

·        Queens Borough Public Library (QBPL): Implemented an innovative structural model by hiring deaf librarian Lori Stambler to train core library personnel, conduct sign language classes for families, and teach literacy classes for Deaf patrons.

·        Gallaudet University Library: Established in 1876, it houses the world's largest collection of deaf-related materials (over 234,000 volumes). The staff developed a customized hybrid system based on the Dewey Decimal Classification to handle cataloguing parameters seamlessly.

·        LSDHH (Tennessee): Managed by Sandy Cohen since 1979, the Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing tracks and provides specialized statewide information distribution collections regarding deafness, deaf history, and Deaf culture.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LIBRARY SCIENCE: TYPES OF LIBRARIES"

THEORY AND PRACTICE OF LIBRARY SCIENCE: TYPES OF LIBRARIES

1. Theory and Practice of Library Science (Indian Perspective)

In the context of Indian Library and Information Science (LIS) education, particularly following the curriculum standards of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) BLIS program, the relationship between academic theory and practical field operations is highly emphasized:

·        Librarianship vs. Library Science: Indian LIS education defines librarianship as the practical, day-to-day service application designed to fulfill user-patron demands within the community or institution. Library Science, by contrast, represents the core academic discipline, research methodologies, and theoretical frameworks that govern information behavior. This operational divide is frequently compared to the relationship between 'medicine' (the scientific discipline) and 'doctoring' (the hands-on practice).

·        Scholarly Contribution in India: While a large percentage of working professionals across Indian public and school libraries focus heavily on localized administrative workflows, academic librarians (especially within University Grants Commission (UGC) funded institutions) are actively mandated to conduct original empirical research and contribute to LIS scholarship. Regardless of personal research tracks, professionals drive the field's advancement via local, state, national, and international library networks.

·        Knowledge Organization Structures: IGNOU text modules establish Library Science as a specialized subset of Knowledge Organization. Caught between macro global paradigms like web architecture or artificial intelligence, library science operates within a distinctly defined socio-technical structure specifically focused on managing collections inside physical and digital institutional networks.

2. Taxonomy and Typology of Library Systems

Libraries are taxonomically categorized into unique institutional types based on their specific user populations, funding frameworks, and overarching educational or civic missions:

Library Category	Core User Community	Operational Core Mandate / Focus Areas
Public Libraries	General Public (Adults, Children, Teenagers, Seniors)	Core focus areas center on local collection development, information literacy, public budgeting, intellectual freedom policies, and acting as a democratic 'Public Sphere' or 'Commons' (Habermas).
Academic Libraries	Higher Education Students, Scholars, Researchers, Faculty	Stewardship of institutional repositories, copyright administration, academic freedom policies, open access publishing, and research data management within the UGC framework. Staff hold academic ranks.
School Libraries	Primary & Secondary School Students, Educators	Collaborative curriculum development, primary media specialization, information literacy instruction, and strict state/local pedagogical certification compliance.
Special Libraries	Industry Experts, Corporate Staff, Government Specialists	Targeted specialized collections supporting corporate, legal, medical, or intelligence objectives (e.g., NCAR and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Library).
Archives & Preservation	Historians, Genealogists, Archival Researchers	Archival management focuses on the historical preservation of records, appraisal, and mass deacidification. Preservation teams manage physical binding, conservation, and climate monitoring.

3. Detailed Institutional Analysis

Public Library Funding Models & Sub-types:

·        Association Libraries: Regulated through individual private structures but open to public utility.

·        Municipal Libraries: Directly managed and budgeted by urban local bodies and municipal corporations.

·        School District Libraries: Aligned with regional school district demarcations for shared local utility.

·        Special District Libraries: Autonomous, dedicated tax-levying geographic jurisdictions established for library maintenance.

Profiles in Special Librarianship & Archives:

·        Special Libraries Association (SLA): The definitive global professional organization advocating for special librarians and information centers across corporate and state domains.

·        National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Library: A dedicated research library tasked with supporting, preserving, making accessible, and collaborating on high-level scholarly atmospheric and educational data resources.

·        The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Library: A high-security government library tasked with supporting the Bureau's statutory mission to uphold federal law, assist enforcement agencies, and protect against foreign intelligence threats.

·        Preservation Librarianship: Operating within core academic networks to manage preservation activities (binding, conservation, digital/analog reformatting, environmental monitoring) to secure permanent access to historical artifacts.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc’s Mock Test-28(Q. no. 271-280) Practice for SSB Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exam.

DrLibSc presents online Mock Test Series for preparation of SSB Odisha Librarian recruitment examination and other competitive examinations in Library and Information Science. 

More quiz available on Knowledge-Test Zone.

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DrLibSc’s Mock Test-27(Q. no. 261-270) Practice for SSB Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exam.

DrLibSc presents online Mock Test Series for preparation of SSB Odisha Librarian recruitment examination and other competitive examinations in Library and Information Science. 

More quiz available on Knowledge-Test Zone.

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Scroll down and attempt the DrLibSc’s Mock Test-27(Q. no. 261-270) Practice for SSB Odisha Librarian Exam. After attempt all the questions write your name and click on Submit button. After summation follow the instructions on the screen. If you are unable to see the following quiz questions. Click on the following link for open it on a new tab:  https://forms.gle/Q2m3Hoo6oRv9qwk68 

DrLibSc’s Mock Test-26(Q. no. 251-260) Practice for SSB Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exam.

DrLibSc presents online Mock Test Series for preparation of SSB Odisha Librarian recruitment examination and other competitive examinations in Library and Information Science. 

More quiz available on Knowledge-Test Zone.

RECRUITMENT TO THE POST OF LIBRARIAN IN NON-GOVERNMENT AIDED COLLEGES, ODISHA

Download Advertisement No: 02/2026      

 

Download Syllabus   

📚 BOOKING OPEN  

Odisha's 1st Competitive Book for Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams

The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams

For 255 Posts of SSB Odisha Librarian & 31 Posts OSSC CGL Specialist Librarian (DIETs/BIETs)

✅ Both Descriptive & MCQs | 100% Syllabus Covered  

✅ 1000+ Chapter-wise MCQs + 3 Mock Tests  

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Scroll down and attempt the DrLibSc’s Mock Test-26(Q. no. 251-260)  Practice for SSB Odisha Librarian Exam. After attempt all the questions write your name and click on Submit button. After summation follow the instructions on the screen. If you are unable to see the following quiz questions. Click on the following link for open it on a new tab:  https://forms.gle/VSE5TPgLeG5WnQ3f7 

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF KNOWLEDGE RECORDING MEDIUMS"

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF KNOWLEDGE RECORDING MEDIUMS

Humanity's effort to preserve knowledge across historical library networks is directly mapped through the changing physical substrates utilized over time:

Chronological Substrates and Media Platforms

·         Clay Tablets: Used for primary ledger records in ancient Assyria and Babylonia.

·         Papyrus Sheets: Developed from reeds and used extensively throughout ancient Egyptian scroll archives.

·         Vellum / Parchment / Wooden Boards: Served as the standard recording media of Medieval European scriptoriums.

·         Handmade Paper: Early manufacturing and distribution infrastructure centered in China and India.

·         Palm Leaves, Birch Barks, Silk Cloth, & Copper Plates: Traditional historical recording mediums utilized heavily across ancient and medieval India before the widespread adoption of paper.

·         Bone & Early Paper Formats: Utilized for early scripts in ancient China.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DIGITAL NETWORKS"

NATIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS AND DIGITAL NETWORKS

India's modern information network infrastructure is distributed across three thematic domains:

·         Science & Technology Sector: National Information System for Science and Technology (NISSAT), National Informatics Centre (NIC), Biotechnology Information System (BTIS), Environmental Information System (ENVIS), INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network), NISCAIR, and the INDEST Consortium.

·         Social Sciences Sector: Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), UGC-Inter University Centre for International Studies, and the UGC-Inter University Centre for Humanities and Social Sciences (IUCHSS).

·         Humanities & Culture Sector: Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts (IGNCA), National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR), National Museum (New Delhi), National Archives of India (NAI), CIEFL, and the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL).

Deep Dive Analysis: The NISSAT Program

Launched by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) and implemented in September 1977, NISSAT functions as the Indian focal point for the UNISIST/UNESCO program. Its National Focal Point (NFP) is located in DSIR, New Delhi, supporting 13 discipline-focused national data centers.

Core Objectives & VAPIS Framework:

·         Developing national information services and introducing automated handling tools.

·         Promoting international data cooperation and building indigenous documentation products.

·         Organizing professional skill development and information science R&D.

·         Value Added Patent Information Systems (VAPIS): Established in two critical sectors: Chemistry & Chemical Technology (at NCL, Pune) and Engineering (at CMTI, Bangalore).

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "STEERING COMMITTEES AND NATIONAL POLICIES"

STEERING COMMITTEES AND NATIONAL POLICIES

National Policy on Library and Information System (NAPLIS)

Appointed in October 1985 by the Department of Culture (MHRD, Government of India), a high-level committee chaired by Prof. D.P. Chattopadhyaya drafted a national strategy blueprint, formally submitting it on May 31, 1986. Its main aims include:

·         Foster, promote, and sustain information system organization and use across all sectors of national activity.

·         Mobilize, integrate, and upgrade existing library networks, infrastructures, and specialized services.

·         Encourage and initiate advanced development and training programs for library and information science personnel.

·         Establish reliable monitoring mechanisms to ensure rapid, uniform development of facility structures.

·         Encourage individual initiatives for knowledge discovery and dissemination under complete intellectual freedom.

·         Secure for the citizens all public benefits accruing from information application and preserve national cultural heritage.

Library development in India also relies on five other national frameworks: Education Policy, Book Policy (1986), Scientific Policy Resolution (1958), Technology Policy Statement (1983), and Information (Communication) Policy.

Key Committee Scope and Impact

• Library Advisory Committee Report: Formulated recommendations regarding public library system structures, library cooperation, compilation of union catalogues, personnel status/duties, formal training, auxiliary services (book bureaux, library associations, Mitra Mandals), and library finance.

• Secondary Education Commission (Dr. A.L. Mudaliar): Recommended establishing robust school libraries with effective services, cultivating general reading habits in children, and allowing school libraries in smaller regions to dual-function as public libraries.

• University Education Commission (Dr. S. Radhakrishnan): Placed the library at the central node of the academic system, advocating self-study to supplement class instruction, and viewing higher learning as mastering research tools and techniques.

• Education Commission (Dr. D.S. Kothari): Emphasized independent research skills using documents, and provided eleven structural suggestions for improving university and college libraries.

• UGC Library Committee Report: Formulated the primary guidelines for executing university grant-in-aid schemes, mapping out finance models, personnel status/salaries, library staff strength, and academic blueprints.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "FOUNDATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF A NATIONAL LIBRARY"

FOUNDATIONAL DEFINITIONS OF A NATIONAL LIBRARY

Academic definitions characterize a 'National Library' through distinct structural and legislative frameworks:

Standard Institutional Definitions

·         Harrod's Librarians' Glossary (6th Ed., 1987): Defines it as a library maintained exclusively out of government funds serving the nation as a whole. Books are typically for reference use only. It acts as a copyright depository library, collecting and preserving for posterity all domestic publications while purchasing significant foreign materials.

·         ALA Glossary of Library Terms: Concisely defines it as: 'A library maintained by a Nation.'

·         UNESCO Framework (16th Session of the General Conference, 1970): Identifies it as an institution responsible for conserving all significant national publications under a legal deposit framework.

Mandated Core Functions (UNESCO 1970)

·         Compiling and producing the official national bibliography.

·         Maintaining an up-to-date representative collection of foreign literature (including books about the country).

·         Functioning as a central national bibliographical information center.

·         Compiling comprehensive union catalogues.

·         Publishing retrospective bibliographies.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.

DrLibSc's Short Notes on "GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF LIBRARIES IN INDIA"

 

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF LIBRARIES IN INDIA

The post-independence evolution of library infrastructure in India is marked by three primary operational pillars:

·         The systematic growth and architectural expansion of the National Library at Calcutta.

·         The enactment of comprehensive public library legislation across six foundational Indian states.

·         The numeric expansion and grant financing models of university and college libraries.

Historical Timeline & Administrative Pioneers

• First Half of 19th Century: Establishment of the Calcutta Public Library, featuring prominent historical library figures Peary Chanda Mitra and Bipin Chandra Pal.

• January 30, 1903: Lord Curzon officially opened the new Imperial Library of India at Metcalfe Hall. John Macfarlane (previously of the British Museum) served as its first librarian.

• Subsequent Imperial Leadership: Succeeded by eminent scholars including Harinath De (noted linguist), John Alexander Chapman, and Khan Bahadur K.M. Asadullah, who organized and initiated formal library training courses here in 1935.

• 1928 Richey Committee: Appointed under J.A. Richey to reorganize library administration; recommended making the Imperial Library a copyright depository—a goal pursued heavily by Chapman and Asadullah.

• 1948 Legislation: The Imperial Library at Calcutta was formally renamed the National Library of India.

• 1954 Enactment: The Delivery of Books (Public Libraries) Act was executed, fully realizing the long-awaited legal copyright deposit privilege nationwide.

• Specialized National Centers: The National Science Library (under INSDOC) and the National Medical Library (Directorate General of Health Services) were systematically established and remain located in Delhi.

• National Bibliography: The Indian National Bibliography (INB) is brought out by the Central Reference Library (located on the National Library Campus, Calcutta), directly matching the role of the British National Bibliography produced by the British Library.

Academic References & Attributions:
• Source Materials derived from The Complete Reference to Odisha Librarian Recruitment Exams
• Maintained and curated for Library & Information Science Scholars, Professionals, and Academic Researchers.