Changes in the Field of Library and Information Science from Ancient Time to the Present Time: A Study

Abstract

If we throw light on the history of the libraries in India, and then one main fact comes to light that the history of the libraries in India is a thousand of years old. The development of libraries in India can be divided in to Ancient Period, Middle Period, Mughal Period and Modern Period. Libraries existed those days when education was concentrated in Gurukul. Those days Guru was like a moving Library and they had unlimited store of knowledge. Over time, writing and ink began to be used and texts were also produced. In ancient times, handwritten texts were wrapped in cloth and leaf blisters because the art of printing was not invented at that time, But with the time the art of printing was invented and texts started to be printed and libraries came in to existence. The demolition of ancient cities which have been obtained by excavation is a proof that libraries existed in ancient times as well. Nalanda University established in ancient time had a three story Library Building called Ratnodadhi, Ratnasagar and Ratnaranjak. Similarly, temples and monasteries also had their own libraries which used to support religious and educational institutions. Father of Library Science Dr. S.R.Ranganathan who was presented the five laws of Library Science, his untiring efforts resulted in unlimited growth/development in the field of Library Science and the Library received a new direction and helped to give scientific form to the Library Service.