# S. R. Ranganathan

> Indian mathematician and librarian (1892–1972)

**Wikidata**: [Q457933](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q457933)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S._R._Ranganathan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/s-r-ranganathan

## Summary
S. R. Ranganathan was an Indian mathematician and librarian (1892–1972) best known for developing the Colon Classification system and formulating the Five Laws of Library Science, which revolutionized library organization and information retrieval.

## Biography
- Born: August 9, 1892 (or August 12, 1892, depending on sources)
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Studied at the University of Madras and the University of London
- Known for: Pioneering the Colon Classification system and the Five Laws of Library Science
- Employer(s): University of Madras, University of Mysore, University of Delhi
- Field(s): Mathematics, Library Science

## Contributions
- **Colon Classification (1933)**: Developed a system of library classification that organizes books by their subject matter, time period, and geographic location, improving accessibility and retrieval.
- **Five Laws of Library Science (1931)**: Proposed principles for library operations, including the laws of book construction, reader characteristics, and library economy, which became foundational in library science.

## FAQs
- **What was S. R. Ranganathan's primary contribution to library science?**
  Ranganathan developed the Colon Classification system and formulated the Five Laws of Library Science, which standardized library organization and improved information retrieval.

- **Where did S. R. Ranganathan study?**
  He studied at the University of Madras and the University of London.

- **What are the Five Laws of Library Science?**
  The Five Laws of Library Science are principles proposed by Ranganathan that include the laws of book construction, reader characteristics, library economy, and more, guiding library operations.

- **Where did S. R. Ranganathan work?**
  He worked at the University of Madras, University of Mysore, and University of Delhi.

## Why They Matter
S. R. Ranganathan's work fundamentally transformed library science by introducing systematic classification and operational principles. His Colon Classification system remains widely used today, and his Five Laws of Library Science are taught globally. His ideas influenced modern information organization, making libraries more efficient and accessible.

## Notable For
- Developed the Colon Classification system (1933), a major library classification system still in use.
- Formulated the Five Laws of Library Science (1931), foundational principles in library operations.
- Educated at the University of Madras and the University of London, contributing to both institutions.
- Worked at the University of Madras, University of Mysore, and University of Delhi, shaping library education in India.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
S. R. Ranganathan was born on August 9 or 12, 1892, in India. He earned degrees from the University of Madras and the University of London, establishing his early expertise in mathematics and library science.

### Career and Contributions
Ranganathan began his career at the University of Madras, where he developed the Colon Classification system in 1933. This system organizes books by subject, time, and place, improving retrieval efficiency. He later formulated the Five Laws of Library Science in 1931, which include principles for book construction, reader characteristics, and library economy. These laws became foundational in library science education.

### Influence and Legacy
Ranganathan's work had a global impact, with his classification system and laws adopted in libraries worldwide. His contributions to library science are still taught and applied today, ensuring that his ideas remain relevant in the digital age. He passed away on September 27, 1972, leaving behind a lasting legacy in information organization.

## References

1. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
2. Library of Congress Authorities
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. Pioneers in Librarianship: Sixty Notable Leaders Who Shaped the Field
6. [Source](http://www.ala.org/alcts/awards/profrecognition/margaretmann)
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. CiNii Research
10. [Source](https://www.librarianshipstudies.com/2019/02/s-r-ranganathan.html)
11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
12. Babelio
13. Croatian Encyclopedia
14. [Source](https://librarianshipstudies.com/2019/02/s-r-ranganathan.html)
15. IdRef
16. SNAC
17. [Source](https://www.librarianshipstudies.com/2019/01/biographies-librarians-whos-who-library-information-science.html)
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/S-R-Ranganathan)
20. MacTutor History of Mathematics archive
21. CONOR.SI
22. Autoritats UB
23. LIBRIS. 2018
24. Catalogo of the National Library of India