This book presents a detailed and multidimensional account of Dr. S. R. Ranganathan, the father of library science in India. Through a series of insightful chapters, it explores his life, philosophies, and pioneering contributions to library science, education, journalism, and public policy.

It traces the evolution of Ranganathan’s methods, the Indian roots of his thought, and his groundbreaking work in public and academic library development, including his role in library legislation and planning. The book also sheds light on his lesser-known contributions to library journalism, his deep guru-shishya relationship with Prof. P. N. Kaula, and his foundational work at the Documentation Research and Training Centre (DRTC). Rich in historical context and professional insight, this book highlights Ranganathan’s legacy as a visionary thinker and a master architect of modern library education and systems in India.

M. P. Satija is currently a Visiting Professor at Guru Kashi University and an Emeritus Fellow and Honorary Professor in the Department of Library & Information Science, Guru Nanak Dev University. In his long professional career spanning more than half a century, he has written extensively on knowledge organisation systems. His works have been translated in many European and Asian languages. Currently, he serves as a visiting faculty at the DRTC/ISI, Bangalore. Having earned his Ph.D. on S. R. Ranganathan, he has the sole mission to acquaint the new generation with Ranganathan's valuable legacy to carry it forward.

A. S. Chandel has a long professional experience of over 50 years of teaching and practicing librarianship. Presently a Visiting Professor and Head/In-charge of the Department of Library & Information Science, Sikkim University, Gangtok, and former Professor & Head of the Department of Library & Information Science at North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Shillong. He has administrative experience as University Librarian of Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticultural and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, and University Librarian, Sikkim University, Gangtok. He also served as Deputy Director (Information) to SAARC Agricultural Information Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh (1994–97).

K. P. Singh is an eminent educationist, academician, teacher, teacher activist, researcher, academic administrator, and an erudite orator. Currently, he is a Professor at the Department of Library and Information Science, Director of Gandhi Bhawan, Provost of P. G. Men’s Hostel, University of Delhi, and President of the Delhi Library Association. As an outstanding researcher and writer, he has authored 14 books, 18 edited books, 190 research papers, and successfully guided 14 Ph.D., 35 M.Phil dissertations, and more than 160 P.G. projects.