Heeru Bhojwani, Academic Program Consultant, Department of Library Science, Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai
Your librarian was someone who issued books and silenced you when you said a loud word. Today’s educational landscape -is evolving – Have you considered the impact of a dynamic librarian on a student’s life? A librarian’s role has changed and evolved.
The International School in India Report shows a 14% increase in international schools over the past five years. Student enrollments have risen by 40%, staff recruitment has grown by 36%, and fee structures have increased by nearly 49%. These trends indicate a strong demand for a robust curriculum and the dynamic NEP 2020 curriculum lends itself to a variety of changes. Both programs emphasise the need for dynamic librarians who can support the development of 21st-century skills.
More than Just Managing Books: Librarians as Learning Guides
Librarians do more than manage books; they inspire a love for reading by curating collections that align with students’ curriculum needs and interests. They introduce students to the joy of stories, teach them how to find accurate information and equip students with learning. The best learning occurs when it is intrinsically motivated by students’ interests, and librarians are at the heart of this process. UDISEPlus data reveals that only 32,762 out of nearly 1.5 million schools in India have digital libraries. One librarian collaborated with teachers to launch a story-writing project blended with technology; this initiative triggered students’ creativity and sharpened their literacy skills.
Difference between Shrinking Access to Libraries and Progressive Education Systems
The ASER Report (2022) reveals that only 34.3% of public schools in India have any form of a library. Now it’s down from 37.3% in 2018. Millions of students are missing valuable opportunities to enhance their learning through libraries. Schools with well-equipped libraries often report better student outcomes. Librarians play a vital role in shaping student success, mainly when supported by a school’s vision.
Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): The SSA program aims to improve the school education system across India. This scheme encourages government schools to teach, strengthen, and build digital libraries.
Padhe Bharat Badhe Bharat: This sub-program under Samagra Shiksha focuses on early reading and writing with comprehension and through activities. There is a growing demand for librarians. Observance of National Reading Day and Reading Week- This is celebrated every year on 19th June to honour the legacy of the late PN Panicker, the father of the Library Movement.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: According to NEP 2020 “Enjoyable and inspirational books for students at all levels will be developed, including through high-quality translation (technology assisted as needed) in all local and Indian languages, and will be made available extensively in both school and local public libraries. Public and school libraries will be significantly expanded to build a culture of reading across the country.” As NEP 2020 transforms India’s education, librarians are trained to ensure students develop essential 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and media literacy.
A Call for Trained, Dynamic Librarians
Now, more than ever, we need trained, skilled, dynamic school librarians who can spark learning beyond surface-level questions. It is not only about selecting a book to read with the children but also probing them with a curiosity about what questions to ask, which raises thinking skills beyond the what, who, where, and when. We need librarians who can fill the gap in students’ education. This shows a significant need for teacher-librarian professionals in schools today.
Why Specialised School Librarian Programs Matter
Most library courses are designed to meet the general operational needs of libraries. However, specialised programs for school librarianship can profoundly impact students’ academic journeys. Graduates seeking to make a meaningful difference in education will find that the role of a teacher-librarian uniquely blends teaching and library science, enhancing students’ collaboration, critical thinking skills and communication skills. Creating a robust school library program further enriches students’ learning experience by promoting literacy and fostering thinking skills through project-based studies.
Who fits into this Teacher Librarian Profile?
Individuals who are passionate about teaching in schools, libraries, and flexible curriculums would be ideal candidates for the role of teacher-librarian. Such individuals are dedicated to serving the student body. Through literature festivals and adult training, librarians can bring the parent community together, raising the bar for both children’s and adult literacy. Many schools are offering competitive salary packages to librarians because they have recognized that librarians play a dynamic and important role, not only in managing resources but also in creating a robust learning environment, ensuring students are well-equipped and future-ready.
Universities offering library science courses are:
- Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University
- Eklavya
- Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
- Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai (Post Graduate Diploma Program for Teacher Librarianship)
- Tata Parag LEC
- University of Mumbai
- University of Madras
Also read: ‘Govt to set up digitised central library, all other libraries to be connected’
