As contribuições das Cinco Leis de Biblioteconomia para o acesso à informação em meio virtual: aplicadas na plataforma biblioteca virtual do Centro de Ensino Superior Vale do Parnaíba – CESVALE

Abstract

This paper discusses the implementation of five laws of library science in a virtual library, exploring whether these laws, originally formulated for physical libraries, are functional and relevant for use in a virtual environment. The overall objective is to analyze the five laws of library science and their applications in the virtual library, considering their technological, methodological, and organizational aspects. The methodology adopted is characterized as qualitative research of a descriptive nature. The Pearson Virtual Library, adopted by the Vale do Parnaíba Higher Education Center – CESVALE, was the core of the analysis. Documentary analysis, observation of the platform, and interviews with the librarian who supervises the institution's physical and virtual collection were used. The professional's data provision was fundamental regarding the use, organization, and service in the digital library. The research reveals that the five laws continue to be integrated into the functioning of the digital library, proving that the virtual world preserves the philosophical essence of library science. The platform offers tools that broaden access, encouraging continuous use, reducing user time, and ensuring effective collection management. Furthermore, technology, instead of devaluing fundamental principles, contributes to enhancing them, making resources more accessible and creating new opportunities for information mediation and dynamism. Therefore, the conclusions on the subject show that the five laws of library science apply to virtual libraries and have not become outdated, demonstrating their adaptability over time and space. In this way, the virtual library demonstrates coherence with these principles, and the library is presented as a significant space, requiring the librarian to have an expanded role and a change in meaning, but not disappearing.