The Library Committee enables the members of the parliament to make use of the library facility provided in the premises of the parliament. This Committee is constituted every year to advise the Speaker on matters concerning the development of library facilities.

In this article, we will look at the composition and functions of this Committee in brief.

Historical Background

• The Parliament Library, which was established in 1921, serves the information needs of members of both Houses of Parliament.
• Every year, an advisory committee named the Library Committee is formed to advise the Speaker on problems involving the development of the Library.
• The Committee was established for the first time on November 21, 1950, when the Speaker of the Provisional Parliament announced its formation.

What is the Library Committee?

• If provided for the library facilities for the members..
• It is a joint committee.

Composition & Chairman

• It consists of 9 members in total 6 members from Lok Sabha nominated by the Speaker and 3 members from Rajya Sabha nominated by the Chairperson.

Functions

• to consider and advise on such matters involving the Library as the Speaker may refer to it from time to time
• to consider recommendations for improving the Library in order to help members of Parliament in making full use of the services provided by the Library.

Conclusion

Each house of Parliament has its own committees, which operate on the recommendation of the Speaker in the Lok Sabha and the Chairman in the Rajya Sabha, respectively. Library Committee is a Housekeeping committee which provides library facilities for the members of the parliament.

FAQs

Question. What is the Library Committee?

Question. When was the Library Committee first formed?

Question. What is the composition of the Library Committee?

Question. What are the main functions of the Library Committee?

Question. What role does the Library Committee play in the development of the Parliament Library?

MCQs

1. Where is the Parliament Library located?

A) Mumbai

B) Delhi

C) Kolkata

D) Chennai

2. Who is responsible for nominating members to the Library Committee?

A) The President of India

B) The Speaker of Lok Sabha

C) The Prime Minister

D) The Chairman of Rajya Sabha

3. What is the primary function of the Library Committee?

A) To manage Parliament’s legislative procedures

B) To oversee the Parliament Library’s operations and suggest improvements

C) To approve the budget of Parliament

D) To provide legal advice to the Parliament

4. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Library Committee?

A) It was established in 1947

B) It has 12 members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha

C) It was first formed in 1950

D) It is responsible for the administration of Parliament's sessions

5. Which of the following is NOT a function of the Library Committee?

A) To advise the Speaker on library matters

B) To promote parliamentary democracy

C) To improve the library’s facilities

D) To consider recommendations for library services

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Discuss the role and significance of the Library Committee in the Indian Parliament.

Answer: The Library Committee plays a crucial role in managing and developing the Parliament Library, which serves the information needs of MPs. It ensures that members have access to the resources required for legislative functions. The committee’s role is significant in advising on library development, suggesting improvements, and ensuring that the library facilities are well-maintained and effectively utilized by members. By facilitating the free flow of information, the committee enhances the quality of legislative work and supports informed decision-making in Parliament.

Q2: Analyze the composition of the Library Committee and its impact on the efficiency of parliamentary research.

Answer: The Library Committee comprises nine members, with representatives from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, allowing for balanced representation from both Houses of Parliament. This composition enables a comprehensive approach to library management, considering the diverse needs of parliamentarians. The committee’s oversight ensures that parliamentary research remains robust and responsive to the legislative needs of MPs, thereby contributing to more informed debates and decisions in Parliament.

Q3: Evaluate the importance of the Library Committee in maintaining the knowledge and information resources of the Indian Parliament.

Answer: The Library Committee is vital in maintaining the knowledge base of the Indian Parliament by ensuring that the Parliament Library remains a state-of-the-art resource for MPs. It oversees the acquisition of important legislative documents, books, journals, and other information crucial to parliamentary functions. The committee’s role in improving and expanding the library’s resources ensures that MPs have access to relevant and up-to-date information, thereby supporting the legislative process and fostering transparency and accountability in parliamentary functions.

Previous Year Questions on  Library committee

1. UPSC CSE 2017

Question: "Explain the functions of the Library Committee in the Indian Parliament."

Answer: The Library Committee is responsible for advising the Speaker of the Lok Sabha on the functioning of the Parliament Library. Its key functions include recommending improvements to library facilities, ensuring that MPs have access to the necessary information resources, and promoting the effective use of the library services for legislative work.

2. UPSC CSE 2019

Question: "Discuss the significance of the Library Committee in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Indian Parliament."

Answer: The Library Committee plays an essential role in ensuring the smooth functioning of the Indian Parliament by managing the library facilities that support MPs with legislative research and information. It advises on the development of library services, promotes the use of resources, and ensures that MPs have timely access to relevant materials to make informed decisions. The committee's work contributes to the overall efficiency and quality of legislative procedures in Parliament.