AI SummaryBest Library and Best Librarian Award encourages excellence in the library sector by honoring one outstanding library and one dedicated librarian each year. This scheme supports government and government-aided institutions in Goa by acknowledging their contribution to the library movement through prestige and financial rewards. For the 2026-27 year, the Directorate of Art and Culture has released the fresh application forms on the Goa State Central Library website.
Best Library and Best Librarian Award - Introduction
Best Library and Best Librarian Award provides a prestigious platform to celebrate excellence in the field of library science. This scheme is designed by the Directorate of Art and Culture, government of Goa, to recognize the hard work put in by library management and librarians. By conferring these awards, the government aims to give an impetus and encouragement to institutions and professionals who enrich the library movement and promote a culture of reading within the state. This scheme covers various sectors, including public, academic, special, and research libraries.
Every year one library and one librarian are selected for these honors. The award carries a cash prize along with a memento, a citation, and a certificate. Applications for the 2026-27 cycle are accepted offline, and the prescribed form is now available on the Goa State Central Library portal at centrallibrary.goa.gov.in.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Best Library and Best Librarian Award |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Scheme for | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | Goa |
| Category | Sports & Culture, Social Welfare & Empowerment, Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual, University / Institution |
| Sub Category | Culture, Resources for schools, Financial assistance |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Department | Art, Culture and Museums Department |
Benefits
This scheme rewards excellence with both appreciation and financial grants. Every year, one library and one librarian are selected for these honors. The cash prize is paid along with a memento, a citation, and a certificate of appreciation.
| Award Category | Financial Reward | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Best Library Award | ₹ 50,000 | Memento, Citation, and Certificate |
| Best Librarian Award | ₹ 25,000 | Memento, Citation, and Certificate |
Eligibility
To apply for the Best Library award, your institution should meet these criteria:
- The library should be in existence for a minimum of 15 years.
- It must have at least 100 registered members for the last 5 years.
- It should hold a minimum of 2500 books or periodicals, all in good condition.
- The premises must be spacious, covering at least 40 sq. mts. with proper ventilation.
- It should demonstrate active engagement through regular programs to encourage reading habits.
- All library records should be updated and maintained properly.
To apply for the Best Librarian award, you should meet these requirements:
- You must be a native of Goa or a resident for at least 15 years.
- You should have completed at least 10 years of continuous service as a librarian or section-in-charge in a reputed library within Goa. For example, if Ramesh has served as a librarian in a government-aided college library for 12 years, he is eligible to apply.
- You must have personally started projects that helped develop the library or improved the local reading culture.
Important: If no candidate meets the required standards in a given year, the department will not confer the award.
Exclusions
The awards are strictly not conferred posthumously. However, if an individual passes away after the selection committee has already recommended their name, the family receives the award on their behalf. Illustrious service can still be recognized for up to one year following an individual's retirement or death.
Application Process
You can follow these steps to submit your application offline:
STEP 1 - Visit the Goa State Central Library at Patto, Panaji to collect the application form. You can also download the prescribed proforma for the 2026-27 cycle from the official Goa government website.
STEP 2 - Fill out all mandatory fields in the form accurately. The form carries a fee of ₹10.
STEP 3 - Attach a passport-sized photograph, sign across it, and include self-attested copies of all required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit your completed application to the Curator, Goa State Central Library, Patto, Panaji - Goa. You may contact them via phone at 0832-2404500/501 or 0832-2437947, or email your inquiries to lib-cent.goa@nic.in.
Documents
For Library Applicants:
- Clear photographs showing the front view of the library.
- Detailed records of the library collection.
- Representative photos showing the library interiors and collection.
For Librarian Applicants:
- A detailed statement or report highlighting your specific contributions to the library.
References
Best Library Award Form 2026-27 | Best Librarian Award Form 2026-27 | Goa State Central Library | Official Guidelines
FAQ's
Are there any restrictions on how the award money can be used?
The scheme does not restrict the use of the prize money, so recipients may use it at their discretion.
Are private libraries eligible for this award?
This scheme focuses exclusively on government and government-aided libraries.
Is there a category for different library types?
The award is open to all libraries, including public, academic, special, and research institutions.
How is the selection made?
An appointed Award Committee reviews all applications based on the eligibility criteria defined by the department.
Are posthumous awards allowed?
Generally, no. However, if a librarian passes away after their name has been officially recommended by the committee, the award will still be conferred.