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A modern librarian, who has faith in the law that 'BOOKS…

“A modern librarian, who has faith in the law that 'BOOKS ARE FOR USE,' is happy only when his readers make his shelves constantly empty. It is not the books that go out that worry him. It is the stay-at-home volumes that perplex and depress him.” quote by S. R. Ranganathan
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“A modern librarian, who has faith in the law that 'BOOKS ARE FOR USE,' is happy only when his readers make his shelves constantly empty. It is not the books that go out that worry him. It is the stay-at-home volumes that perplex and depress him.”

S. R. Ranganathan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A librarian finds joy when books are actively used, and worries when they sit idle on shelves.

In simple terms: Librarians love active readers, not idle books.

Key Takeaway

Encourage frequent borrowing.

Themes

library service reading community engagement book usage

Mood

proud concerned

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • public library
  • school library
  • academic library
  • community reading programs

Key Concepts

library science user-centered design

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can libraries motivate patrons to borrow more?
  • What programs keep books in circulation?
A Different Perspective

Books may be valuable even if not constantly borrowed.

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