The Indian librarian S.R. Ranganathan is renowned for his five laws of library science, which are widely utilized across the globe. These laws have been adapted into the five laws of media and information literacy, which are relevant in today's information society. These laws will help to certify individuals as media and information literate. Learn more about the five laws of MIL in Unesco's Digital Library.
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Ranganathan’s Five Laws of Library Science |
MIL Laws |
| Books are for use |
Information, communication, libraries, media, technology, the Internet as well as other forms of information providers are for use in critical civic engagement and sustainable development. They are equal in stature and none is more relevant than the other or should be ever treated as such. |
| Every reader his/her book |
Every citizen is a creator of information/knowledge and has a message. They must be empowered to access new information/knowledge and to express themselves. MIL is for all – women and men equally – and a nexus of human rights. |
| Every book its reader |
Information, knowledge, and messages are not always value neutral, or always independent of biases. Any conceptualization, use and application of MIL should make this truth transparent and understandable to all citizens. |
| Save the time of the reader |
Every citizen wants to know and understand new information, knowledge and messages as well as to communicate, even if she/he is not aware, admits or expresses that he/she does. Her/his rights must however never be compromised. |
| Library is an evolving organism |
Media and information literacy is not acquired at once. It is a lived and dynamic experience and process. It is complete when it includes knowledge, skills and attitudes, when it covers access, evaluation/assessment, use, production and communication of information, media and technology content. |
Summary of MIL components, subject matters and competencies from: UNESCO. (2013). Global Media and Information Literacy Assessment Framework: Country Readiness and Competencies.