Teacher Librarian Status

A. In the CBSE Library Handbook, on page 2, SCHOOL LIBRARY OBJECTIVES,, if the librarian is fulfilling all the requirements in this category, then the Librarian is designated in the Teacher Librarian Category. In Chapter 6 Library Personnel, (page 19 - 20) the Librarian is designated to the TGT category means that the librarian is in the category to teach/instruct students from standard 1 - standard 10.
On page number 29, under the heading Librarian, Clause (C) says:

(C) Status of a School Librarian: The professional and managerial responsibilities of school librarian require the knowledge,experience and skill of professional librarian with several years of experience. Both the post and the post-holder should be treated at par with the head of teaching faculty in the school in terms of status, pay scales and other facilities. Link to the Circular 11/2022

Evidence to attach with the document:

You will need to provide evidence in the form of documentation of the school library objectives for example: 

a) A library policy that shows how you procure books based on the school curriculum needs. 

(b) Documentation of the activities you conduct with the students 

(c) Teaching students and teachers how to access the resources/books in the library and other 

      engagements and events. 

(d) Lesson plans & Library curriculum to indicate the role of a teacher librarian.

B. In the National Curriculum Framework (2023) The library is considered one of the periods on the time table and in the 3.5.3.1 (Page 93 states:  R1 Language has Curricular Goals for the Library built into it in the design of Learning Standards. Therefore, the time is shared between these two subjects on the timetable. On page 40 - The Language Teachers & the Librarians work to develop and build the literacy skills. Therefore, they are put in the same category as specialists who understand the curriculum. (More information on this blog post)

C. According to the Essential Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Required for Affiliation with CBSE Library on page 10 Library staffing- the Librarian is considered under the TGT/PGT Grade.

The SARAS (School Affiliation Re-Engineered Automation System) website includes a dedicated section for library guidelines and circulars. CBSE's SARAS portal provides comprehensive information, including Minimum library space requirements, required library events, and guidelines for library events, according to saras.cbse.gov.in. The CBSE also issues circulars regarding library infrastructure and operations, which can be found on the SARAS circulars page. These circulars often address specific requirements for libraries, including size, reading area, and technological infrastructure. 

Key aspects of CBSE library circulars and guidelines:

• Minimum Library Space: A school library must have a minimum area of 1200 square feet, accommodating at least 50 students plus 10% extra space for group activities and reference services. 

• Library Events: At least 6 library events should be organized annually, with a literary calendar prepared in advance to encourage reading and writing skills. 

• Technology Integration: The library should utilize computer applications for tasks like acquisition, cataloging, and circulation, and consider automation with barcodes for better management. 

• Reading Programs: Students should be encouraged to read at least one book per week, with a weekly summary displayed on the notice board to foster reading, writing, and speaking skills.

• Circulars and Manuals: The CBSE website offers various circulars and manuals, including the SARAS Manual 6.0, which provides detailed guidelines for affiliation processes, including library infrastructure requirements. 

• Circular No. 11/2022: This circular emphasizes the importance of libraries as learning resources, highlighting their role in developing communication skills and holistic student development, according to CBSE Circulars. 

[1] Library CBSE SOP

[2]  Size of Library & Infrastructure of Library

[3] Circular for Library and other Specialists

D. The NCERT Teachers Awards is given to the most enterprising educator each year. In this award, you will find, Heads of the school, Teachers, Vice - Principals and even Librarians. Therefore, one can conclude that the Librarian is considered a Teacher Librarian.