New Education Policy 2020 Highlights: Significant Changes in Library Science

 New Education Policy 2020 Highlights: Significant Changes in Library Science

In accordance with the NEP 2020 Policy, "learning is essential to developing a fair and equitable society and to fostering national growth in order to achieve our full human potential." The key to the continued rise and leadership of India on the global stage is to provide universal access to high-quality education with regard to economic growth, social equity and equality, scientific advancement, national integration and cultural conservation.

This new education program is intended to promote the talent and resources of India, while also helping establish an all-encompassing universal community and country. The government aims to offer individuals and society with high-quality educational opportunities for holistic development.

The emphasis on education under the Sustainable Development Goals is reflected in India's Sustainable Education Plan 2030, which ensure inclusive and equitable education for all – including children, adults and vocational education – to encourage lifelong learning opportunities. 50 hours of professional development are required to ensure educators have the skills, pedagogical understanding and practise necessary in order to implement the new education policy.

Inclusion and equity must be a part of every library and school practise. To be inclusive, it must involve people from various tribes, rural areas, socially and economically disadvantaged groups (SEDGs), children with special needs (CWSNs), and minorities.

NEP 2020 from a Librarian's Perspective

Here are several important NEP 2020 takeovers from a librarian's point of view:

The teacher-librarian works with teachers who can promote the basic ideas established in the NEP so that best practices can be found in support of the basic principles of education. This can be carried out through cluster groups - curiosity and passion projects.

The NEP underlines the importance of service mindsets for professors and the Faculty, especially the librarian. With this in mind, the Library becomes a print, digital and personal resources education resource centre.

What do libraries mean by the new educational policy?

New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) replaces the National Policy on Education (NPE) that was issued in 1986 and is the first education policy of the 21st century. Access, affordability, equity, quality and responsibilities are the founding pillars of NEP 2020.

The New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) Library emphasis:   

National Book Promotion Policy: A National Book Promotion Policy will be prepared and considerable efforts will be made to make learning material accessible and available across geographies and languages.

This is the evolution in digital libraries and school/public libraries in which the government works to promote reading habits, maximise the use of libraries and make books available for pupils irrespective of language, technology and geographic location.

Creating entertaining and inspirational books: Books are fun and inspirational in all local and Indian languages for pupils of all levels. Steps will be taken to ensure the accessibility of books by persons with disabilities or otherwise. With the help of public and commercial entities, the government will develop ways to improve the quality and attractiveness of books.

Making books more available and accessible in school and public libraries: Increasing the availability and accessibility of books in schools and public libraries The government will prioritise the availability of books in both schools and public libraries. Using modern ICT technologies, the government will take steps to ensure that books are available and accessible to all citizens, including those with disabilities and those with different abilities, across the country. The primary emphasis will be on socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, as well as rural and remote areas.

Creating a reading culture across the country: In order to increase readership and readers across the country, both public and school libraries will be significantly improved. The state's public libraries will be upgraded and modernised. There will be a sufficient supply of books that meet the needs and interests of communities. To promote widespread reading and community development, more children's libraries, mobile libraries, and social book clubs are being established across the country.

In villages, ICT-equipped schools and public libraries: During non-school hours, an ICT-equipped school/public library will be established to serve the community and students, particularly in villages. Book club facilities will be developed to encourage more widespread reading.

In higher education, libraries will be improved: Academic libraries are the centre of the institutions, and the government wants to enhance and extend readings such as books, journals and other materials for learning and teaching. Steps will be conducted to enhance the accessibility of digital libraries and library books online. E-content will also be supported in regional languages.

Use of Public library spaces for adult education: The government will ensure the availability of enough infrastructure for adults interested in adult and lifetime learning. For ICT-enabling adult education classes and other communities and enrichment activities, public library rooms are utilised.

Create appropriate continuing education for library staff: The Government will promote acceptable career paths for library workers and ensure appropriate staffing to meet its goal of building, developing, enhancing existing library facilities and catering to the requirements of all sorts of readers across the country.

A library-learning centre, which has a learning environment that offers students a range of learning activities and can include them. Where the focus is on the abilities and provisions of the 21st century which constitute the foundation of the character and personality of an individual.

A librarian is a professional who works to provide users with access to information as well as social, technical, or information literacy programming.

References: 

1. Heeru Bhojwani. ‘Impact of NEP 2020 on Teacher Librarian (India)’. https://heerubhojwani.com/impact-of-nep-2020-on-teacher-librarian-india/.

2. What for Libraries in New Education Policy of India?https://librarycognizance.blogspot.com/2020/08/what-for-libraries-in-new-education.html.

3. https://www.mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/NEP_Final_English.pdf