Under the Cupola

“THE SPIRIT OF THE LIBRARY,” PART 1

S. R. Ranganathan (1892–1972), the chief librarian at the University of Madras in India, was determined to make books a more powerful force in Indian life. In 1931, he wrote a notable monograph, “The Five Laws of Library Science,” which outlined a set of priniciples that became a guiding code among professional librarians, and which is still pertinent — and even more important — to 21st-century libraries.

FIRST LAW: BOOKS ARE FOR USE

The First Law does not mean that books are the only library materials that matter. The point is that libraries must acquire materials and make them accessible so they can be used. This law speaks to providing open access to books and other materials in a welcoming environment, locating libraries in the midst of their communities, and providing convenient hours of operation. Libraries are all about service — or they are about nothing. The very life of a library is in the personal service given to its patrons. Have you found your book today?

SECOND LAW: BOOKS ARE FOR ALL

This law focuses on users of books and the basic right of all persons to have access to the books and other materials they need. The Second Law reminds us that free libraries, like education, were not always available to everyone. Sadly, there still are those who would deny their neighbors access to books. In Batavia, we believe in the freedom to choose and the freedom to express one’s opinion even if that opinion might be considered unorthodox or unpopular. We stress

Library Leader 2023

Every other year, the Board of Library Trustees of the Batavia Public Library District bestows a special award to one member of our community who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the Library District.

Prior Library Leaders include: n 2021: Jo Ann Smith n 2019: Daniel Russo

Eligibility & Criteria

To be eligible for the award, a nominee must meet at least three (3) of the following criteria: the importance of ensuring the availability of those unorthodox or unpopular viewpoints to all who wish to experience them. Intellectual freedom can exist only where these two essential conditions are met.

1. Demonstrates exemplary commitment to the goals and mission of the Batavia Public Library.

2. Makes a significant and long-lasting contribution to the advancement of the Library through leadership, excellence, achievement, or volunteerism.

Celebrate the freedom to read!

THIRD LAW: EVERY BOOK ITS READER

This law addresses the fundamental issue of removing barriers through the principle of Open Access, as well as such mechanical devices as shelf arrangement and catalogue entries. It also encompasses reference work; publicity methods; the opening of popular departments, such as a café, current newspapers and magazines in a reading room of their own, public-access computers, WiFi, and quiet reading rooms. It encompasses extension work, which is an effort to turn the library into a social center designed to encourage reading and become a wonderful “third place,” which is an important social environment, separate from home and work.

The catalogue is an immense help in connecting books to readers. Analytic catalogue entries, often quite transparent in an online public-access catalog (OPAC), include those for series and cross-references by subject and content, such as individual essays, short stories, chapter, poems, and songs.

The Third Law led to the ground-breaking idea that, if a book is not being used, it often needs exposure to readers who will find it useful.

To be continued…

GEORGE H. SCHEETZ Director

3. Advocates for access to information and freedom of speech and expression.

4. Promotes the growth and development of the Library.

5. Fosters partnerships with local organizations and agencies to enhance the quality of library service in Batavia.

6. Champions the Library and its services to the community.

7. Encourages innovative and visionary thinking in the Library’s operations, programs, and services.

Recognition as a Library Leader may be awarded posthumously.

Nominations

In honor of National Library Week, which is celebrated in April, nominations must be submitted by Monday, April 17. The award will be presented during Library Card Sign-Up Month in September 2023. Nominations may be submitted by any member of the Batavia Public Library community, which includes but is not limited to its users, support groups (such as the Friends of the Batavia Public Library), volunteers, Trustees, and employees.

A complete nomination packet includes a Nomination Form; nominator’s letter of nomination, which explains the eligibility of the nominee; and two letters of support. Nomination packets may be obtained in person at the Library, or from our website, BataviaPublicLibrary.org.

Mail or deliver the completed nomination packet by April 17 to: Recognition as a Library Leader

Attention: Director, Batavia Public Library, 10 S. Batavia Ave., Batavia, IL 60510-2449