West Bengal College Librarians’ Association (WBCAL): History, Aims and Objectives, Membership and More

The West Bengal College Librarians’ Association (WBCLA) was founded in 1962 by a group of dedicated college librarians and university professionals committed to excellence in their field. Their primary objective was to address challenges within the profession and enhance the quality of services in higher education. Since its inception, the association has continuously strived to improve library services for students and faculty while advocating for a stronger role in the academic landscape.

History of WBCAL

The West Bengal College Librarians’ Association (WBCAL) was established in 1962 by a group of college librarians and university professionals in Calcutta to address the challenges faced by the profession. At that time, the participants could not foresee the even more critical and complex problems that college librarians would soon face. Initially, the association’s activities were limited, and it remained dormant for a period, without regular meetings or conferences, and with no General Secretary or elected office bearers. Only a convener or joint conveners were occasionally chosen.

In the mid-1970s, a group of college librarians began working to introduce the UGC pay scale of Rs. 550-900/- with effect from 01.01.1973. The efforts were spearheaded by Joint Conveners, Late Subir Ghosh (Librarian, DumDum Motijhil College) and Sri Malay Bhattacharyya (Librarian, Behala College of Commerce). In 1977, the demand was raised for a higher pay scale of Rs. 700-1600/-, along with a revision of the existing scale, due to discrepancies in the pay scales for college librarians at various institutions.

The Bengal Library Association (BLA) organized a meeting in 1977 to discuss the introduction of the UGC pay scale for non-government colleges. Senior librarians, including Late Amarendranath Bhattacharyya, Late Subir Ghosh, and others, participated in the convention. Following this, a memorandum was submitted to the Higher Education Minister of West Bengal, Late Prof. Sambhu Ghosh.

Over the years, the association gained more momentum, with several prominent librarians joining the movement and offering their support. Within six months, membership exceeded 100. With increasing membership and participation, the need for a formal structure and constitution became evident. A draft constitution was created, and the association’s headquarters was set up at 24B Bechu Chatterjee Street, Kolkata, where it remains today.

Aims and Objectives of WBCAL

The primary aims and objectives of the West Bengal College Librarians’ Association are:

• To promote the interests of the members and safeguard their rights and privileges.
• To work towards the establishment of a national, democratic, and scientific approach to education, with a focus on the development of college libraries.
• To strive for the improvement of the status, emoluments, and overall welfare of college librarians and other professional, semi-professional, and non-professional staff of college libraries.
• To cooperate and, if necessary, federate with other democratic organizations that have similar objectives.
• To study all issues related to college library personnel and enhance their efficiency by conducting discussions, seminars, and training programs.
• To advocate for the right of college librarians to be represented on all relevant educational authorities.
• To publish journals, books, bulletins, and other educational materials for the betterment of the profession.
• To work towards the fulfillment of these objectives and the advancement of the association’s interests.

Membership of WBCAL

Categories of Membership:

1. Patrons:
   • Distinguished educationists, librarians, and social workers are invited to be Patrons of the Association.
2. General Members:
   • All working librarians, including Deputy Librarians and Assistant Librarians, along with professional staff of both government and non-government college libraries (sponsored and non-sponsored) in West Bengal, are eligible for General Membership upon payment of the prescribed fees.
3. Associate Members:
   • Semi-professional and non-professional staff of college libraries, as well as students of Library and Information Science or any other interested individuals, are eligible for Associate Membership. Associate Members do not have voting rights, but they receive copies of the Association’s journal.

Qualification for Membership:

• Patrons: Distinguished individuals with significant contributions to education, libraries, or social work.
• General Members: Librarians and professional staff working in government or non-government colleges in West Bengal.
• Associate Members: Semi-professional and non-professional staff, as well as students or individuals with an interest in the field.

Subscription Fees:

• General Membership: Rs. 25/- per annum (advance payment). A portion of this fee may be allocated to zonal committees.
• Associate Membership: Rs. 10/- per annum (advance payment).

The annual membership deadline is February 28th.

Cessation of Membership:

A member may cease to be part of the Association under the following circumstances:

1. Failure to pay subscription fees.
2. Voluntary resignation to the General Secretary.
3. Removal due to actions detrimental to the dignity of the Association after due investigation.
4. Superannuation or change of profession.

Any motion for removal is placed at a Special General Meeting or the Annual Conference, requiring a two-thirds majority vote.

Rights and Privileges of Members:

General Members are entitled to:

• Attend and vote at all meetings of the Association.
• Stand for election as office-bearers or members of various committees.
• Receive copies of the Association’s publications at discounted rates.
• Submit suggestions for the betterment of the Association.
• Move resolutions in meetings and conferences and vote at the Annual Conference.

As the West Bengal College Librarians’ Association continues to grow and evolve, it remains committed to improving the status and working conditions of college librarians, advancing the field of library science, and ensuring better resources for educational institutions across the state. Join us in this mission to make a meaningful impact in the field of education and library services!