The document argues that converting a traditional library catalog to a browsable system organized by subject will increase access and usability for more than just the top 30% of students. It claims kids don't search catalogs but browse shelves, and finding materials is intuitive in a browsable system compared to searching in languages you don't understand. The conversion should include moving non-fiction to be more accessible, and the process will improve librarians' knowledge of the collection.

1. Why spend the money and time- to convert your library?
I believe:
1. Traditional libraries work great for approx. 30% of our students (“high end users” or “good” students) - they discourage/ create barriers for everyone else.
2. Kids don’t search via the catalog- they browse the shelves (physical or virtual) - This model is more intuitive for all users.
3. Searching for a biography in a biography section for a non-high end user is the equivalent of looking for a title in French and you don’t speak French.
4. Make your collection move- especially the non-fiction section.
5. You THINK you know your collection, but you’ll learn it like never before because you physically handle every book multiple times. (We converted our collection of 15,000 books in 3 stages and never closed our library.)
Ranganathan’s
5 Laws of Library Science
1. Books are for use.
2. Every reader his (or her) book.
3. Every book its reader.
4. Save the time of the reader.
5. The library is a growing organism.
Dr. Shiyali Ranganathan (1931)
Ask yourself: Whose library is it?