Seven Lamps of Library Science:

The Seven Lamps of Library Science, as described by R. L. Mittal, provide a framework for librarianship that emphasizes the importance of service, professionalism, and scholarship. Here are brief descriptions of each of the Seven Lamps:

  1. Impersonal Book Selection: This lamp emphasizes the importance of objective, unbiased book selection. Librarians should base their decisions on the merits of the material and the needs of the community, rather than personal preferences or biases.
  2. Service before Self: Librarians should prioritize the needs of the community over their own personal interests. This means being responsive to the needs of users, providing high-quality service, and ensuring that the library is accessible to all.
  3. Split Mind: The split mind refers to the ability of librarians to balance the demands of practical library work with the need for intellectual curiosity and scholarship. Librarians should strive to maintain a balance between the two so that they can both provide effective service and stay engaged with the broader intellectual community.
  4. Sympathetic: This lamp emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in librarianship. Librarians should be attentive to the needs and perspectives of their users and should work to create a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  5. Tact: Tact refers to the ability of librarians to communicate effectively with users and colleagues. This includes being diplomatic, respectful, and responsive to feedback.
  6. Industry: This lamp emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail in librarianship. Librarians should be committed to providing the best possible service to their users and should be willing to put in the effort necessary to achieve this goal.
  7. Scholarship: The final lamp emphasizes the importance of intellectual curiosity and scholarship in librarianship. Librarians should stay up-to-date with the latest developments in their field and should be committed to ongoing learning and professional development.

In conclusion, the Seven Lamps of Library Science provide a valuable framework for librarianship that emphasizes the importance of service, professionalism, and scholarship. By focusing on objective book selection, prioritizing the needs of the community, maintaining a balance between practical library work and intellectual curiosity, being empathetic and communicative, working hard and paying attention to detail, and committing to ongoing learning and professional development, librarians can provide the best possible service to their users.