Recently, I read the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Framework and was very happy to see how they have recognized the pivotal role of libraries in shaping students’ academic journeys and fostering a lifelong love for reading. The recently revised CBSE National Curriculum Framework highlights the importance of libraries in achieving curricular goals, with a specific focus on language education. Here is the synopsis for libraries in the CBSE curriculum. The library has been mentioned 91 times in this document, showing its importance. In short, librarians teach through read-aloud and short lessons to help support independent writers and independent readers. They teach and support students to research online and follow their passion through the ethical use of information and media literacy. There is also a component of service mentioned as the library project. (Librarians don’t need to assess students.).
TLDR:
1. Integrating Libraries into the Curriculum – 1.1 Curricular Goal: Developing Lifelong Reading Interest
One of the primary goals of language education is to instill a lifelong interest in reading among students. Recognizing this, the CBSE National Curriculum Framework allocates dedicated time for library activities in the school timetable. Library sessions, scheduled once or twice a week, aim to nurture literacy skills and build a strong foundation for language development.
1.2 Synergizing Language and Library Curricular Goals
The integration of language and library curricular goals is evident in the CBSE framework. Both subjects share time on the timetable, emphasizing the interconnectedness of language development and the role of libraries in achieving these goals. Table 4.4iii stipulates 65 hours in a school year for these activities, highlighting the commitment to fostering a reading culture.
1.3 Embracing Digital Resources
The CBSE curriculum acknowledges the evolving landscape of education by leveraging digital resources. Platforms like SWAYAM, DIKSHA, ePathshala, and the national digital library platform by IIT Kharagpur offer students access to a plethora of digital books. This forward-thinking approach aligns with the changing preferences and technological advancements of the modern era.
2. Libraries as Dynamic Learning Spaces – 2.1 Moving Beyond Traditional Notions
The CBSE framework redefines the role of libraries, emphasizing that they are not merely repositories of books but dynamic spaces designed to spark motivation and interest in reading. Teachers are encouraged to model reading behaviour, conduct read-aloud sessions, and engage students with diverse texts.
2.2 Fostering Reading Skills through Activities
The curriculum encourages a variety of engaging activities to develop reading skills. Initiatives such as ‘book of the day,’ ‘author of the day,’ library trips, literature festivals, and book exhibitions contribute to creating a vibrant reading culture within the school.
3. Libraries as Catalysts for Language Developments – 3.1 Invaluable Contributions to Language Abilities
The CBSE framework recognizes the paramount role of the school library in developing language abilities across different stages. Well-resourced libraries provide access to diverse reading materials, nurturing storytelling skills, fostering critical thinking, enhancing information literacy, and offering a safe learning space.
3.2 Library Activities for Language Development
The framework outlines a range of illustrative activities within the library that contribute to language development. From drawing time and book reviews to story-time and book clubs, these activities enrich students’ language skills, creating a holistic learning environment.
4. The Library Project: Student Involvement and Management- 4.1 Empowering Students Through Library Management
An interesting initiative within the CBSE framework is the Library Project, empowering students to actively participate in the management of the school library. This hands-on experience encourages responsibility and fosters a sense of ownership, making the library a vibrant hub for learning.
5. Inclusive Infrastructure for All – 5.1 Ensuring Accessibility and Inclusion
CBSE emphasizes inclusive infrastructure to ensure that all common spaces, including libraries, are accessible to students and teachers with disabilities. This commitment to inclusivity aligns with the broader goal of providing equitable educational opportunities for every learner.
Finally, the CBSE National Curriculum Framework, with its nuanced approach to libraries, underscores their indispensable role in shaping students’ academic and personal development. By seamlessly integrating libraries into the curriculum, fostering a love for reading, and promoting student involvement, CBSE reaffirms its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for a rapidly changing world of teaching information and media literacy while learning to use information ethically.
According to the CBSE Framework – Role of the library according to this framework
- Access to a wide range of resources: A school Library could provide students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, magazines, newspapers, and other reading materials. If books are sorted according to Grade levels, categorized, and labelled according to themes and subjects, it would provoke students’ interest and allow easy access to them.
- Development of Language abilities: Exposure to reading diverse texts helps improve language skills, such as vocabulary, comprehension of different forms of text and language structure, different viewpoints, and overall language proficiency.
- Opportunities for independent reading: A Library can provide space for students to choose books that interest them and read at their own pace. Encouraging students to take books home and conducting activities in assemblies around books promotes reading among all students.
- Support for classroom learning: The school Library needs a mapping of Library books to Learning Standards so that the Library would not stand in isolation outside the classroom. Instead, it would be part of classroom resources and processes.
- Encouragement of a love of reading: By providing a wide range of engaging and age-appropriate books, students can develop a lifelong love of reading, which can have a positive impact on their language and overall development.
- Promotion of literacy skills: The school Library can help promote literacy through activities such as book clubs, writing workshops, and storytelling sessions, which can help students develop their language skills and become more confident readers and writers.
- Supporting research and inquiry: The Library offers resources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and reference materials that support students’ research and inquiry-based learning.
