Goa State Best Library and Best Librarian Award

Description
The scheme "Goa State Best Library and Best Librarian Award" has been designed by the Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa envisaging grant of awards for one meritorious Library and one Librarian serving either in any Government or Government–aided Libraries in the State of Goa, which include the Public/Academic/Special/Research Libraries every year. Objective To recognize the hard work put in by the management of the Libraries and the Librarians and to give an impetus and encouragement to them by conferring awards on them for their contribution in the field of library movement.

Exclusions
• **The award shall not be conferred posthumously.** However, in the event of death of the individual after recommendation of his/her name for the award by the Award Committee, the award shall be conferred posthumously. Further, any illustrious service of any individual in the field of library movement shall also be recognized and considered for the award not beyond one year of death or retirement of the individual.

Benefits
• Goa State Best Library Award
• A cash prize of ₹ 50,000/-, a Memento, a Citation and a Certificate.
• Goa State Best Librarian Award
• A cash prize of ₹ 25,000/-, a Memento, a Citation and a Certificate.
• Every year one Library and one Librarian will be selected for the award.

Eligibility Criteria
1. > **For Library**
2. The library should be in existence for a minimum period of 15 years.
3. The library should have a minimum of 100 registered members for the last 5 years.
4. The library should have in possession a minimum of 2500 books, periodicals etc., in readable condition.
5. The library should have a proper infrastructure with retrieval facilities.
6. The library should be spacious, having a minimum area of 40 sq. mts. and with proper ventilation.
7. The library should have conducted regular programmes etc. for the members/public to enhance
8. their reading habits and knowledge.
9. The library should have maintained all the library records properly and up to date.
10. The award shall be conferred to only one well-stacked library from the State of Goa.
11. <br>
12. > **For Librarian**
13. The Librarian should be born in the State of Goa or should be a resident of the State of Goa for a minimum period of 15 years.
14. The Librarian should have a minimum of 10 years of continuous service as a Librarian/Section-In-Charge of a reputed library from the State of Goa.
15. The Librarian should have taken up initiatives for library development/inculcating reading culture in his/her area of work.
16. The award shall not be conferred posthumously. However, in the event of death of the individual after recommendation of his/her name for the award by the Award Committee, the award shall be conferred posthumously. Further, any illustrious service of any individual in the field of library movement shall also be recognized and considered for the award not beyond one year of death or retirement of the individual.
17. The award shall be conferred on one meritorious librarian i.e. serving in any Government, Government-aided Libraries in the State of Goa which include the Public/Academic/Special/Research Libraries etc.
18. <br>
19. **NOTE:** In the event of no suitable person of the desired standard being found, no award shall be conferred for that year.

Application Process
Step 1: Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Goa State Central Library.
Offline
Step 1: The interested applicant should visit the Goa State Central Library.

Step 2: Step 2: Take a print of the proforma of the application form, or request a hard copy from the concerned authority.
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Step 2: Take a print of the proforma of the application form, or request a hard copy from the concerned authority.

Step 3: Step 3: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).
Offline
Step 3: In the application form, fill in all the mandatory fields, paste the passport-sized photograph (signed across), and attach copies of all the mandatory documents (self-attest if required).

Step 4: Step 4: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Curator, Goa State Central Library, Patto, Panaji – Goa. Ph. No. 0832-2437947, Email: [email protected], Website: https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in
Offline
Step 4: Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the documents to the Curator, Goa State Central Library, Patto, Panaji – Goa. Ph. No. 0832-2437947, Email: [email protected], Website: https://www.artandculture.goa.gov.in

Required Documents
• Photograph of Library Front view.
• Collection details of Library (Library which is being recommended).
• A Few Photographs of the Library with the Collection.
• Contribution of Librarian.

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any restrictions on how the award money can be used by libraries or librarians?
A: The scheme does not specify how the award money should be used, so it may be used at the discretion of the recipient.

Q: Are private libraries eligible for this award?
A: The scheme primarily mentions government and government-aided libraries, so private libraries may not be eligible.

Q: Is there a specific category for different types of libraries (e.g., public, academic, special) under this scheme?
A: No, the scheme is open to libraries of all types, including public, academic, special, and research libraries.

Q: What role does a library's collection play in its eligibility for the award?
A: Libraries must have a minimum of 2500 books and periodicals in readable condition to be considered for the award.

Q: Can libraries that have been operating for less than 15 years apply for the Best Library Award?
A: No, libraries must have a minimum of 15 years of existence to be eligible for the Goa State Best Library Award.

Q: How is the selection made for the Goa State Best Library and Best Librarian Awards?
A: The selection process is typically carried out by an Award Committee, which assesses the eligibility and contributions of libraries and librarians based on the criteria mentioned in the scheme.

Q: Is there a provision for recognizing extraordinary service in the library field, even if the person has retired or passed away?
A: Yes, individuals who have rendered illustrious service in the field of library movement can be recognized and considered for the award within one year of their retirement or death.

Q: How many awards are given out each year under this scheme?
A: Every year, one Library and one Librarian are selected for the award.

Q: What are the benefits of receiving the Goa State Best Library Award?
A: The library receiving the award gets a cash prize of [?]50,000, a memento, a citation, and a certificate.

Q: Are posthumous awards allowed under this scheme?
A: No, awards are not conferred posthumously. However, if an individual passes away after their name is recommended for the award but before receiving it, the award may be conferred posthumously.

Q: What is the minimum service requirement for librarians to be eligible for the Best Librarian Award?
A: Librarians should have a minimum of 10 years of continuous service as a librarian or section-in-charge in a reputed library in Goa.