List of notable advisory committees for libraries in, Tamilnadu, India, USA, and UK - Librarians Portal

 

List of notable advisory committees for libraries in, Tamilnadu, India, USA, and UK

Here’s a list of notable advisory committees for libraries in Tamilnadu, India, USA, and UK, along with their chairpersons (where known), primary purposes, and establishment years. These committees play significant roles in shaping library policy, promoting literacy, and supporting the modernization of libraries.

Library Committee Tamilnadu, India

1. Tamil Nadu State Library Committee

Chairperson: Director of Public Libraries, Tamil Nadu

Established: 1950

Purpose: Formed under the Tamil Nadu Public Libraries Act of 1948, this committee is responsible for advising on library policies, coordinating state-level library services, and overseeing the administration of public libraries. It aims to improve library access and promote literacy across Tamil Nadu.

2. Tamil Nadu Library Association (TNLA)

Chairperson: President of TNLA (elected periodically)

Established: 1928

Purpose: The Tamil Nadu Library Association (TNLA) is one of the oldest library associations in India, serving as an advisory body to support library development in Tamil Nadu. It promotes library science education, professional development for librarians, and the establishment of public libraries across the state.

3. State Library Authority (SLA), Tamil Nadu

Chairperson: Secretary, Department of School Education, Tamil Nadu

Established: 1950

Purpose: Established to regulate and oversee public library services in Tamil Nadu, SLA provides guidance on funding, library expansion, and resource distribution. It helps ensure that public libraries in the state meet the educational and informational needs of local communities.

4. Advisory Committee for the Directorate of Public Libraries, Tamil Nadu

Chairperson: Director of Public Libraries, Tamil Nadu

Established: Various dates

Purpose: This committee advises the Directorate of Public Libraries on implementing policies, enhancing library services, and planning programs to promote reading and access to information resources across the state.

5. District Library Advisory Committees

Chairperson: District Library Officer (varies by district)

Established: 1950s-1960s (varies by district)

Purpose: Each district in Tamil Nadu has a library advisory committee responsible for overseeing local public library services. These committees work under the State Library Authority to address district-specific library needs, support community programming, and improve access to resources.

6. Tamil Nadu Digital Library Initiative Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Appointed by the Department of School Education, Tamil Nadu

Established: 2020

Purpose: Formed as part of Tamil Nadu’s digital library initiative, this committee aims to digitize library resources, promote digital literacy, and enhance public access to digital content through the state’s public library network.

7. School and College Library Advisory Committees

Chairperson: Appointed by respective educational institutions

Established: Various years, specific to institutions

Purpose: School and college libraries in Tamil Nadu have advisory committees that focus on improving library resources, integrating digital collections, and enhancing support for students and faculty in accessing information.

8. Tamil Nadu Library Science Research and Development Committee

Chairperson: Varies (selected from academic or professional community)

Established: Various dates

Purpose: Supports research and development in library and information science, advising on best practices, innovations, and training programs for library professionals. This committee is involved in advancing library education and professional standards in Tamil Nadu.

9. Rural Library Development Committee, Tamil Nadu

Chairperson: Appointed by the Directorate of Public Libraries, Tamil Nadu

Established: 1980s

Purpose: This committee focuses on expanding library services to rural areas, promoting literacy, and improving access to information for underserved communities. It supports the establishment of rural libraries and mobile library services in remote parts of Tamil Nadu.

10. Tamil Nadu Knowledge Commission’s Library Advisory Panel

Chairperson: Appointed by Tamil Nadu Knowledge Commission

Established: 2010

Purpose: Part of the Tamil Nadu Knowledge Commission’s efforts to promote knowledge and education, this advisory panel focuses on modernizing libraries, enhancing digital resources, and improving access to information for educational and professional development.

Library Committee in India

1. National Mission on Libraries (NML)

Chairperson: Dr. B. Shashi Prabha (initially; chairpersons change periodically)

Established: 2012

Purpose: To modernize library services, enhance access, and develop a model framework for library services across the country. NML focuses on digitization, networking, and the establishment of model libraries, particularly in underserved areas.

2. Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation (RRRLF)

Chairperson: Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Government of India (Ex-Officio)

Established: 1972

Purpose: To promote and support public library services and systems in India, particularly for rural and remote areas. RRRLF offers financial and technical assistance to libraries and acts as an advisory body for library policy.

3. Central Advisory Board of Libraries (CABL)

Chairperson: Minister of Culture, Government of India

Established: Initially proposed in 1957, formally constituted in various forms over time

Purpose: Envisioned to oversee the development of a national library system, CABL is intended to provide guidance on policies, standards, and funding. The board supports public libraries in reaching out to the broader community.

4. University Grants Commission (UGC) Library Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Varies, typically a senior UGC official

Established: 1953

Purpose: To oversee and support the development of academic libraries in universities and colleges across India. The committee advises on funding, resource allocation, and policy guidelines to strengthen higher education libraries.

5. Indian Library Association (ILA) Advisory Board

Chairperson: President of the Indian Library Association (current president changes periodically)

Established: 1933

Purpose: Serves as a professional advisory body for library policies and practices in India. ILA promotes library and information science education, professional standards, and advocates for library development at national and state levels.

6. National Library Advisory Committee (Kolkata)

Chairperson: Varies; typically a senior cultural or academic leader

Established: Reconstituted in 2008 (original committee dates back to the mid-20th century)

Purpose: Advises on policy and operational matters for the National Library of India, Kolkata. The committee supports modernization, digital initiatives, and the preservation of cultural heritage in the library’s vast collections.

7. INFLIBNET (Information and Library Network Centre) Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Director of INFLIBNET (with other members from UGC and higher education institutions)

Established: 1991

Purpose: To facilitate resource sharing among academic and research libraries in India, promote digitization, and develop a networked environment for information access across educational institutions.

8. DELNET (Developing Library Network) Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Typically chaired by the Director of DELNET

Established: 1988

Purpose: To connect libraries across India and facilitate resource-sharing and interlibrary loan services. DELNET’s advisory committee focuses on enhancing connectivity among libraries and supporting the development of digital resources.

9. State Library Authority Committees (Various States, e.g., Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka)

Chairperson: Varies by state, usually a senior government or education department official

Established: 1950s-1970s, depending on the state

Purpose: Each state’s library authority committee advises on the administration of public libraries within that state, focusing on community outreach, rural library development, and funding allocation for library services.

10. National Knowledge Commission’s Working Group on Libraries

Chairperson: Sam Pitroda (at the time of establishment)

Established: 2005

Purpose: Created to recommend reforms for libraries and promote knowledge access. The working group proposed the modernization of libraries, enhancement of digital resources, and greater public access to knowledge resources.

11. K. P. Sinha Library Advisory Committee

Chairperson: K. P. Sinha

Established: 1957

Purpose: This committee was established to provide a systematic framework for public libraries in India. The recommendations led to the formation of various state-level public library systems and helped establish foundational policies for Indian libraries.

Library Committee in USA

1. National Commission on Libraries and Information Science (NCLIS)

Chairperson: Varies; appointed by the U.S. President (Past chairpersons include Martha B. Gould and Michael Gorman)

Established: 1970

Purpose: NCLIS was an advisory body to the President and Congress on national library policies. It promoted library and information services, supported information access and literacy, and addressed issues like technology integration in libraries. (Note: NCLIS was dissolved in 2008, with its functions absorbed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)).

2. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Advisory Board

Chairperson: Appointed by the U.S. President

Established: 1996

Purpose: The IMLS Advisory Board advises on federal library funding programs and initiatives to improve library services across the U.S. IMLS supports public libraries, academic libraries, and museums in their efforts to serve communities, promoting access, literacy, and preservation.

3. Library of Congress National Digital Library Advisory Board

Chairperson: Varies (often a prominent figure in academia or the digital space)

Established: 1995

Purpose: This advisory board supports the Library of Congress in digitizing its collections and making them accessible online. The board’s goal is to expand digital resources, enhance public access, and preserve cultural heritage digitally.

4. American Library Association (ALA) Advisory Committees

Chairperson: Varies by committee, typically the ALA President or appointed chairs

Established: 1876 (with various advisory committees formed over time)

Purpose: The ALA has several advisory committees covering topics like intellectual freedom, library technology, youth services, and library standards. These committees help set policies and guidelines for libraries nationwide, advocate for library funding, and promote public awareness about the importance of libraries.

5. Federal Depository Library Council (FDLC)

Chairperson: Appointed annually by the Superintendent of Documents

Established: 1972

Purpose: The FDLC advises the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) on matters related to the Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP), which provides free access to government publications. The council helps improve access to government information and advises on the management and dissemination of federal documents in libraries.

6. National Library of Medicine (NLM) Board of Regents

Chairperson: Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services

Established: 1956

Purpose: The NLM Board of Regents provides guidance on the management and development of the National Library of Medicine. It supports medical and health information accessibility, promotes research, and advises on digital and scientific resources to advance public health and medical knowledge.

7. Public Library Association (PLA) Advisory Committees

Chairperson: President of the PLA (part of the American Library Association)

Established: 1944

Purpose: PLA has various advisory committees that address public library needs, such as professional development, digital literacy, and community engagement. These committees guide public library services and advocate for libraries as critical community resources.

8. Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Advisory Committees

Chairperson: ARL President or appointed chairs

Established: 1932 (various committees established over time)

Purpose: ARL has advisory committees that focus on academic and research library issues, including open access, digital scholarship, and information policy. These committees provide guidance for academic and research libraries in serving higher education and promoting access to scholarly information.

9. National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Varies; typically a senior NLS official or a representative of the Library of Congress

Established: 1931

Purpose: This advisory committee supports the National Library Service in providing accessible reading materials for people with disabilities. It focuses on improving access to audiobooks, braille, and digital resources for individuals with visual or print disabilities.

10. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Library Advisory Panels

Chairperson: Varies by project

Established: 1965

Purpose: NEH’s advisory panels support grants and funding decisions for projects that enrich public libraries and promote cultural heritage. These panels advise on projects that preserve historical resources, support library programming, and enhance humanities education through library resources.

Library Committee in UK

1. Library and Information Services Council (LISC) - UK

Chairperson: Varies; typically appointed by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS)

Established: 1966

Purpose: Initially formed to advise the government on policies for libraries, archives, and information services in the UK, LISC focused on supporting library standards and addressing issues of funding and development. Although it is no longer active as a formal council, its legacy has influenced subsequent advisory bodies and library policies.

2. The British Library Board

Chairperson: Appointed by the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport

Established: 1972

Purpose: The British Library Board oversees the British Library, advising on matters related to national collections, public access, digitization, and international research collaboration. The board works to ensure that the British Library meets its role as the UK’s national library and a global research institution.

3. Libraries Taskforce

Chairperson: Jointly led by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) and the Local Government Association (LGA)

Established: 2015

Purpose: Created to support public libraries in England, the Libraries Taskforce promotes libraries as vital community hubs and champions library funding, technology integration, and outreach. The taskforce's goals include encouraging library innovation, community engagement, and sharing best practices.

4. Arts Council England - Libraries Development Committee

Chairperson: Appointed by Arts Council England

Established: 2011

Purpose: The Libraries Development Committee within Arts Council England advises on funding and development programs for public libraries across England. It focuses on enhancing library services, promoting digital innovation, supporting literacy, and encouraging cultural programming in libraries.

5. Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC)

Chairperson: Appointed by SLIC, current chair often has a background in public service or education

Established: 1991

Purpose: SLIC is the national advisory body for libraries in Scotland, offering guidance to the Scottish Government on library policy. It promotes library development, supports funding for library initiatives, and leads projects on digital access, literacy, and professional development for library staff in Scotland.

6. Libraries Connected (formerly the Society of Chief Librarians)

Chairperson: President of Libraries Connected (elected annually)

Established: 2018 (formerly the Society of Chief Librarians, which dates back to the early 1990s)

Purpose: Libraries Connected advocates for public libraries across the UK, focusing on service improvement, accessibility, and library innovation. The organization provides advice to local authorities on best practices, funding strategies, and community engagement.

7. The National Library of Wales Board of Trustees

Chairperson: Appointed by the Welsh Government

Established: 1907

Purpose: The board oversees the National Library of Wales, advising on preserving Welsh cultural heritage, enhancing public access to collections, and supporting Welsh language resources. It focuses on promoting research, education, and digital accessibility within the national library.

8. Northern Ireland Library Authority (Libraries NI) Advisory Committees

Chairperson: Chair of Libraries NI, appointed by the Department for Communities, Northern Ireland

Established: 2009

Purpose: Libraries NI oversees library services across Northern Ireland, focusing on improving literacy, digital inclusion, and lifelong learning. The advisory committees within Libraries NI help guide library policies, support community outreach, and manage funding for library programs.

9. The Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP) Council

Chairperson: President of CILIP (elected annually)

Established: 2002 (formed from the merger of the Library Association and the Institute of Information Scientists)

Purpose: CILIP is the UK’s professional body for library and information professionals. Its council advises on library education, professional standards, advocacy for library funding, and promoting the role of information professionals in various sectors across the UK.

10. Public Lending Right (PLR) Advisory Committee

Chairperson: Appointed by the British Library

Established: 1979

Purpose: This committee oversees the administration of the Public Lending Right, which ensures authors receive payments when their books are borrowed from public libraries. It provides guidance on the PLR scheme and advises on policies to support authors and rights holders in the UK.