Circular No. 16/2022/TT-BGDĐT Issuing the Standards for Libraries in Early Childhood Education and General Education Institutions

CIRCULAR
Issuing Standards for Libraries of Early Childhood Education Institutions and Primary and Secondary Schools
The Minister of Education and Training issues this Circular to issue Standards for Libraries of Early Childhood Education Institutions and Primary and Secondary Schools.

___________________ 

Pursuant to the Education Law dated June 14, 2019;

Pursuant to the Library Law on November 21, 2019;

Pursuant to Decree No. 93/2020/NĐ-CP dated August 18, 2020 of the Government detailing certain provisions of the Law on Libraries;

Pursuant to Decree No. 86/2022/NĐ-CP dated October 24, 2022 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Education and Training;

At the proposal of the Director of the Infrastructure Department;

Along with this Circular, the Standards for Libraries of Early Childhood Education Institutions and Primary and Secondary Schools are issued.This Circular takes effect from January 7, 2023.

Article 1. This Circular replaces Decision No. 01/2003/QD-BGDĐT dated January 2, 2003, of the Minister of Education and Training on the issuance of Standards for Primary and Secondary School Libraries, and Decision No. 01/2004/QD-BGDĐT dated January 29, 2004, of the Minister of Education and Training on amending and supplementing Decision No. 01/2003/QD-BGDĐT dated January 2, 2003, of the Minister of Education and Training on the issuance of Standards for Primary and Secondary School Libraries.

Article 2. The Heads of the Office, Department of Infrastructure, Heads of units under the Ministry of Education and Training; Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities; Directors of Departments of Education and Training, Directors of Departments of Education, Science and Technology of Bac Lieu Province; Heads of early childhood education institutions and primary and secondary schools and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

This Circular replaces Decision No. 01/2003/QĐ-BGDĐT dated January 2, 2003, issued by the Minister of Education and Training on the standards for school libraries, and Decision No. 01/2004/QĐ-BGDĐT dated January 29, 2004, issued by the Minister of Education and Training amending and supplementing Decision No. 01/2003/QĐ-BGDĐT dated January 2, 2003, on the issuance of regulations on the standards for school libraries.

Article 3. The Director of the Office, the Head of the Department of Infrastructure, Heads of units under the Ministry of Education and Training; Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally governed cities; Directors of Departments of Education and Training, Directors of Departments of Education, Science and Technology of Bac Lieu Province; Heads of preschool, primary and secondary education institutions and related organizations and individuals are responsible for implementing this Circular.

                                                                                                           KT. BỘ TRƯỞNG
                                                                                                                 THỨ ||| TRƯỞNG

                                                                                                               (Signed)

                                                                                                                 Phperiodm NgBriefing signed on February 18, 2025c Thưởenergy

 

REGULATIONS

Library Standards for Early Childhood Education Institutions and Primary and Secondary Schools

(Attached to Circular No. 16/2022/TT-BGDĐT dated November 22, 2022 of the Minister of Education and Training)

1. This document stipulates standards for libraries of early childhood education institutions and primary and secondary schools, including: Information resources; infrastructure; specialized equipment; library activities; library management.

 

PART I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Article 1. Scope of Regulation and Applicability

2. This document applies to kindergarten and nursery schools (hereinafter referred to collectively as kindergarten); primary schools; middle and high schools (hereinafter referred to collectively as secondary schools); general education schools with multiple levels within the national education system.

These are publications and materials legally released through various languages, in audio and visual forms, and presented in formats such as printed books, braille books, newspapers, magazines, pictures, maps, audio recordings, video recordings, electronic learning materials, and other types that are compiled in accordance with the educational objectives of early childhood and general education programs.

Article 2. Interpretation of Terms

In this document, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. Information resources Electronic learning materials

2. are digitized teaching and learning materials structured according to a specific format and script, stored on electronic devices. Book title

3. refers to the name of a book. Book edition refers to the quantity of a book title. Book set is a collection of book titles meeting the learning, entertainment needs of students and the teaching and research requirements of teachers, consistent with educational goals and content. Users

4. Library user include children (for kindergartens), students (for primary, secondary, and multi-level general education schools), teachers, administrative staff, librarians, and parents of children and students.

5. Library area is the total area of functional zones in the library, including reading space; information resource storage area; information retrieval area; borrowing and returning area and management.

6. Reading space is a functional zone for organizing reading, learning, entertainment, and scientific research activities for library users, including reading rooms and open spaces.

7. Information resource storage area is a functional zone for storing and preserving information resources.

8. Information retrieval area is a functional zone for library users to retrieve part of the information in the information resources.

9. Borrowing and returning area is a functional zone for processing borrowing and returning of information resources and work of library staff. THE HEAD OF THE MINISTRY’S OFFICE, THE HEAD OF THE MINISTRY’S INSPECTION DEPARTMENT, THE HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF THE VIETNAM CIVIL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE VIETNAM AIRPORTS CORPORATION - CPTP, AND THE HEADS OF THE AUTHORITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND INDIVIDUALS CONCERNED ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THIS CIRCULAR./. This functional area is used to process borrowing and returning of information resources and for library staff to work.

10. Specialized equipment are devices designed to meet the needs of library users in searching, exploiting, preserving, collecting, processing, and storing information resources.

11. Activities Library activitiesare activities organized or jointly organized by the library to serve the needs of library users.

Article 3. Purpose of applying library standards

1. Establishing library standards to ensure conditions for implementing preschool and general education programs.

2. Determining quotas and budgets to develop projects for constructing new libraries or renovating existing ones.

3. Determining the level of compliance with library standards for quality assessment and recognition of national standards for preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, and general education schools with multiple levels.

Article 4. Interconnection of Libraries

1. Principles of Library Interconnection

a) Interconnection between preschool, primary, lower secondary school libraries, and general education schools with multiple levels (up to lower secondary level) within the same district; between preschool, primary, lower secondary school libraries, and general education schools with multiple levels (up to lower secondary level) and commune, district libraries within the same area;

b) Interconnection between upper secondary school libraries and general education schools with multiple levels (up to upper secondary level) within the same district or province; between upper secondary school libraries, general education schools with multiple levels (up to upper secondary level) and district, provincial libraries within the same area;

c) Libraries with information technology infrastructure that ensures compatibility and provides digital information resources; having sufficient human resources to meet, operate, exploit, and share resources without spatial limitations can interconnect with other educational institution libraries;

d) Libraries participating in interconnection on a voluntary basis, sharing and contributing library resources to a common pool; cooperating with agreements among libraries to ensure uniform procedures for exploitation managed by software, accessible through computers, phones, and other electronic devices; libraries in different areas may agree to participate in interconnection through sharing and contributing digital information resources;

e) Ensuring proper management and effective use of interconnected information resources according to interconnection regulations;

f) Adhering to laws regarding intellectual property rights, science and technology, information technology, cybersecurity, and related legal provisions;

2. Forms of Library Interconnection

a) Digital Information Resources: Libraries within the group share database records and catalogues of digital information resources organized according to library business structures and database access levels;

b) Printed Information Resources: Libraries within the group rotate printed information resources such as textbooks, teacher reference books, reference materials, newspapers, magazines, educational stories, educational images, and other materials periodically by semester or academic year;

3. Mechanism for Library Interconnection

a) Leading Library

- Designated as the main link to coordinate and supplement the sharing, updating, and distribution of information resources among libraries in the group. The leading library receives priority investment from the state budget according to regulations;

- Responsible for maintaining and developing shared digital information resources; supporting data management for libraries in the group; serving as the exchange point for information resources, providing access to digital information resources, and exploiting the system; controlling record quality; directing uniformity and standardization of records among libraries in the group; guiding and supporting libraries in the group in professional and business matters;

b) Participating Libraries

- Have the responsibility to share and contribute library resources to the common pool according to interconnection rules and regulations; participate in establishing regulations on the degree of sharing and user access rights; utilize processed information resources, products, and services from other libraries to serve users;

4. General Provisions on Library Management Software

a) Requirements for Management and Business Operations

- Ensuring requirements for library management and business operations; managing library information resources; facilitating the search for information resources to support learning, entertainment, scientific research, and professional development for users in preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, and general education schools with multiple levels;

- Having the ability to export statistical forms, electronic ledgers, and data to support library management; assisting in report preparation;

b) Data Connection and Sharing

- Supporting connection, interconnection, and data sharing among libraries in the interconnection group and between libraries;

 

Chapter II
a) Lead the implementation of tasks assigned to the project owner and supervise the project execution process according to regulations; - Connecting and sharing data with the Education and Training Sector Database to support work, management, reporting, and statistics by the Ministry of Education and Training and educational management agencies at all levels in managing preschool, primary, secondary, and general education school libraries with multiple levels; SCHOOL LIBRARY

 

Article 5. Information Resource Standards

1. Level 1 Information Resource Standards

a) Adequate information resources that are appropriate to the age and psychology of children; meet the needs for nurturing, caring, and educating children and the educational requirements of teachers; align with the goals and content of early childhood education programs, processed according to library business rules;

b) Each child has at least two copies of books, each teacher has at least three copies of books;

c) Requirements for information resources

- Additional information resources added to the library must be processed according to library business procedures. They must be cleaned, dusted, dehumidified, treated for mold, and protected from insects regularly; damaged information resources must be restored promptly; storage should be organized by room, open room, and use external cataloging in information resource cataloging activities;

- Development of information resources must ensure compatibility with educational programs, diverse in content and form;

- Digital information resources must ensure operational conditions and upgrades suitable for library activity requirements;

2. Level 2 Information Resource Standards

The kindergarten library meeting Level 2 information resource standards must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Expanded information resources: specialized knowledge; domestic and international early childhood education methods; training and enhancing the professional qualifications of teachers and library staff; printed books, pictures, photographs, maps, newspapers, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings, comic books, models, card images, electronic learning materials in Vietnamese, foreign languages, or ethnic languages (if applicable);

b) Each child has at least three copies of books, each teacher has at least four copies of books;

c) The information resource repository must ensure that 15% of the library's information resource capital is electronic learning materials.

Article 6. Infrastructure Standards

1. Level 1 Infrastructure Standards

a) The kindergarten library should be located in a convenient area for children's access and use, especially for children with disabilities; priority should be given to locating it on the first floor (ground floor) near the childcare and education rooms;

b) The library area should be determined based on 30% to 50% of the total number of children in the school and must meet a minimum standard of 0.60 m²/child. The total library area must not be less than 48 m² (excluding open space areas);

c) Functional zones of the library can be arranged in one room or separate but adjacent rooms. The area of functional zones of the library is specified as follows:

- Reading space must have at least one reading room for children and teachers. Open space should be arranged around or outside the library, ensuring ventilation, quietness, and distance from pollution-prone areas, safety, and convenience for library users;

- Storage area for information resources must have sufficient space to store all information resources, which can be arranged in a separate room or within the reading room and open spaces, ensuring management suitability for different types of information resources;

- Borrowing and management area can be combined with the reading room;

d) Technical requirements

- The floor of the library must comply with current construction standards. The reading room floor must be easy to clean, using carpet or other flooring materials without gaps, wear-resistant, non-deformable, moisture-proof, and resistant to dampness;

- Library doors and windows must comply with current construction standards;

- The lighting system in the library includes natural, artificial, and mixed lighting. The lighting system must follow the National Technical Regulations on Lighting - Allowable Lighting Levels for Workplaces and Current Specialized Technical Standards on Lighting. Room doors must meet both natural light and ventilation requirements while protecting against cold winds, rain, and direct sunlight, ensuring ease of use, safety, and cleanliness;

- The library must be equipped with natural and artificial ventilation systems to support library activities and information resource preservation. Depending on the kindergarten's practical conditions, air conditioning units may be installed in the library;

- The library must meet disaster prevention requirements and comply with current fire safety standards for buildings and structures;

2. Level 2 Infrastructure Standards

The kindergarten library meeting Level 2 infrastructure standards must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) At least 25 seats in the children's reading room, ensuring a minimum seat area of 1.5 m²/seat; at least 15 seats in the teachers' reading room, ensuring a minimum seat area of 2.4 m²/seat;

b) The storage area for information resources must ensure a book storage area of 2.5 m²/1000 units of information resources; an open book storage area of 4.5 m²/1000 units of information resources;

c) The borrowing and management area must not be less than 0.6 m²/library staff member.

ArticleArticle 7. Special Equipment Standards

1. Level 1 Special Equipment Standards

a) Adequate special equipment, including: bookshelves, tables, chairs for children; tables, chairs for teachers; tables, chairs, cabinets for library staff; catalog boxes, catalog books, book introduction boards; library usage guides, and other equipment;

b) Requirements for special equipment

- Suitable size for children's age groups, reasonably arranged and safely positioned according to the functional zone's operational requirements. Bookshelves should be placed against walls or parallel to each other and securely fixed;

- Flexibly arranged and rearranged in different spaces and times to create new library spaces for diverse library activities;

- Made from safe materials suitable for local conditions;

- To be reviewed, inspected, maintained, repaired, or replaced promptly if damaged; to be inventoried and evaluated annually to serve as a basis for asset disposal, budget allocation for repairs, or additional investment.

- Library usage guidance: Clear, concise, comprehensive, and easily understandable images, charts, or diagrams should be displayed in visible locations.

2. Level 2 Equipment Standards

The kindergarten library meeting Level 2 standards must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Equipments for library activities in children's reading room, teachers' reading room, information resource storage area, borrowing and return area, and management area must be complete.

b) Computers connected to the internet, printers, audio-visual equipment must be provided to ensure library activities in children's reading room, teachers' reading room, borrowing and return area, and management area.

c) Library management software must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 4 of Article 4 of this document.

d) Other information technology devices.

Article 8. Library Operation Standards

1. Level 1 Library Operation Standards

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing

- The information resource retrieval system must be implemented directly at the library, ensuring easy and convenient access while also allowing related data to be retrieved.

- The borrowing system must be carried out using a ticket system or other methods suitable for the organizational conditions of the library.

b) Library Activities Content

- Introducing and guiding users on library rules and usage, including: Guiding users to follow library rules, understand signage and symbols, search and retrieve catalogues, select information resources, and access data (for libraries with digital information resources) according to their age, psychological needs, and teachers' requirements for childcare, nurturing, and education.

- Promoting reading activities to form and develop reading habits, including: Familiarizing with books at the library; borrowing books home; storytelling or extracurricular programs; organizing National Book Day and Reading Culture Day annually.

- Supporting learning activities, connecting activities, including: Drawing; organizing clubs, groups sharing books, materials about local traditions, culture, and history.

- Interactive activities and professional development for teachers, including: Recommending appropriate book lists based on subjects or topics; advising teachers on using information resources to design lessons.

c) Library Interconnection: Kindergarten libraries must implement interlibrary connections as stipulated in Article 4 of this document.

2. Level 2 Library Operation Standards

The kindergarten library meeting Level 2 operation standards must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing: The information resource retrieval system and borrowing system must be conducted through library management software.

b) Library Activities Content

- At least one activity per month must be organized to familiarize children with books at the library.

- Ensure that 100% of teachers and at least 80% of children in the entire school read books at the library and borrow books home annually.

c) Library Interconnection: Implement interlibrary connections by rotating printed resources or sharing digital information resources periodically at least once per academic year.

Article 9. Library Management Standards

1. Level 1 Library Management Standards

a) Information resource management, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities management

- There is an annual plan for information resource preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development; management of physical infrastructure and specialized equipment; and library activities approved by the Kindergarten Principal;

- There is a system of files, ledgers, and library regulations ensuring management of information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities;

- Information resources are regularly evaluated annually to serve as a basis for preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development of information resources. Development of information resources is carried out through various forms such as purchasing on the market (including purchasing access rights to databases, digital information resources); domestic and foreign organizations and individuals providing sponsorship and donations; open access sources and interlibrary connections;

- Physical infrastructure and specialized equipment are inspected, maintained, repaired, and replaced in a timely manner. They are inventoried and assessed annually to serve as a basis for asset liquidation, budget allocation for repairs, replacements, or additional investments. The library management software ensures operational conditions and upgrades consistent with library activity requirements;

- Library activities are publicized to library users; organized according to approved plans and evaluated annually for library activity effectiveness;

b) Responsibilities of relevant parties

- The Kindergarten Principal is responsible for:

Issuing regulations on library management, exploitation, and use; the system of files, ledgers, and library rules. Approving plans for managing information resources; plans for developing physical infrastructure and specialized equipment; financial plans and library activities; schedules for library activities;

Assigning personnel to handle library work full-time or part-time as appropriate to the planned activities and schedules;

Organizing inspections, supervision, and evaluation of library activities; reporting to higher-level management authorities as prescribed;

- The Head of the Professional Department is responsible for: Developing library activity plans linked to the overall organizational plans of the department monthly and annually;

- Personnel handling library work are responsible for:

Preparing plans for information resource preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development according to library professional procedures; repairing simple equipment, destroying unusable equipment;

Managing, keeping, and using the system of files and ledgers tracking library management, exploitation, use, and preservation;

Coordinating in building library activity plans monthly and annually;

Leading and coordinating with teachers in implementing library activities as prescribed; ensuring safety and fire prevention conditions during library activities;

Preparing regular reports on library work;

Participating in professional training and skill enhancement;

- Teachers are responsible for:

Coordinating in building library activity plans monthly and annually;

Leading and coordinating with personnel handling library work in implementing library activities;

c) Library personnel

- Having a degree of at least a college level in information-library science or a related field; other fields require a certificate in professional knowledge and skills in information-library science issued by authorized agencies or organizations;

- Library personnel enjoy salaries, occupational benefits, and hazardous duty allowances as prescribed by law;

d) Operating funds

- Annual operating funds of the library are used to maintain and develop information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and organize library activities. The annual operating funds of the library are managed and utilized in accordance with legal provisions;

- Annual operating funds of the library are established based on the library's needs, the kindergarten's capacity, and internal expenditure regulations of the kindergarten;

- Annual operating funds of the library are allocated from the kindergarten's annual regular budget; income from library services; sponsorships, grants, donations, and contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals as prescribed by law and other lawful sources of income;

2. Level 2 Library Management Standards

The kindergarten library meeting Level 2 library management standards must comply with the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and the following provisions:

a) Library personnel work either full-time or part-time as stipulated by the Kindergarten Principal or according to staffing norms for educational institutions. In cases of part-time work, library personnel must ensure the time allocated for library duties as prescribed;

b) Annual operating expenses of the library must be at least 3% of the kindergarten's total annual regular budget.

 

Chapter III
STANDARDS FORPRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARIES

 

Article 10. Information resource standards

1. Level 1 Information Resource Standards

a) Having sufficient information resources that are appropriate for elementary school students; meeting the learning and entertainment needs of students and the teaching and research requirements of teachers; aligning with the educational goals and content in the elementary education curriculum, processed according to library business rules;

b) Each student has at least three copies of books, each teacher has at least one set of books per grade level;

c) The information resource requirements ensure the provisions stipulated in point c, Clause 1, Article 5 of this document.

2. Level 2 Information Resource Standards

An elementary school library meeting Level 2 information resource standards ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having expanded information resources: specialized knowledge; domestic and international primary education methods; training and enhancing the professional qualifications of teachers and library staff; reference books by subject; printed books, pictures, photographs, maps, newspapers, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings, stories, models, electronic learning materials in Vietnamese, foreign languages, or ethnic languages (if applicable); braille books for visually impaired students (if applicable);

b) Each student has at least four copies of books; five titles of newspapers and magazines, each title having at least three copies;

c) The information resource inventory is presented through an electronic catalog instead of a traditional catalog. Ensuring that 25% of the library's information resources are electronic learning materials.

Article 11. Infrastructure Standards

1. Level 1 Infrastructure Standards

a) The elementary school library is located in a convenient area for student access and use, especially for visually impaired students; prioritizing placement on the first floor (ground floor) near the classroom blocks;

b) The library area is determined based on 30% to 50% of the total number of students in the school and ensuring a minimum standard of 0.60 m²/student. The total library area must not be less than 54 m² (excluding open space areas);

c) Functional zones of the library can be arranged in one room or separate but adjacent rooms. The area of functional zones of the library is specified as follows:

- Reading space must have at least one reading room for students and teachers. Open spaces are arranged around or outside the library, ensuring ventilation, quietness, and distance from pollution-prone areas, safe and convenient for library users;

- Storage area for information resources must have sufficient space to store all information resources, which can be arranged in a separate room or within the reading room and open spaces, ensuring management suitability for different types of information resources;

- The borrowing and management area is arranged separately or together with the reading room;

d) Technical requirements ensure the provisions stipulated in point d, Clause 1, Article 6 of this document.

2. Level 2 Infrastructure Standards

An elementary school library meeting Level 2 infrastructure standards ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having a reading room for students with a minimum capacity of 35 seats, a reading room for teachers with a minimum capacity of 20 seats, ensuring that the seating area in the reading room is not less than 2.4 m²/seat;

b) The storage area for information resources must ensure a book storage area of 2.5 m²/1000 units of information resources; an open book storage area of 4.5 m²/1000 units of information resources;

c) The borrowing and management area must not be less than 0.6 m²/library staff member.

Article 12. Specialized Equipment Standards

1. Level 1 Special Equipment Standards

a) Having sufficient specialized equipment, including: bookshelves, desks, chairs for students; desks, chairs for teachers; desks, chairs, cabinets for library staff; catalog boxes, catalog books, book introduction boards; library usage guides, and other equipment;

b) Specialized equipment requirements ensure dimensions suitable for the age group of elementary school students and the provisions stipulated in point b, Clause 1, Article 7 of this document.

2. Level 2 Equipment Standards

An elementary school library meeting Level 2 specialized equipment standards ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having complete specialized equipment to support library activities in the student reading room, teacher reading room, information resource storage area, borrowing and management area;

b) Having computers connected to the internet, printers, audiovisual equipment, digitalization devices for information resources to support library activities in the student reading room, teacher reading room, borrowing and management area;

c) Library management software must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 4 of Article 4 of this document.

d) Other information technology devices.

Article 13. Library Operation Standards

1. Level 1 Library Operation Standards

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing

- The information resource retrieval system must be implemented directly at the library, ensuring easy and convenient access while also allowing related data to be retrieved.

- The borrowing system must be carried out using a ticket system or other methods suitable for the organizational conditions of the library.

b) Library Activities Content

- Introducing and guiding the implementation of library rules and usage, including: Guiding users to comply with library regulations, understand signage and symbols; methods for searching, accessing catalogues, selecting information resources, and accessing data (for libraries with digital information resources) appropriate to the level, reading needs, learning requirements, knowledge enhancement, and entertainment of students, and teaching and research requirements of teachers;

- Promoting reading activities, forming and developing reading habits, including: Reading books at the library, open spaces, and borrowing books home; organizing reading classes at the library with various forms, flexibly scheduled within the timetable or integrated into other educational activities; organizing subject-based lessons, educational activities, or interdisciplinary lessons at the library; organizing book reading days, weeks, thematic reading, storytelling competitions based on books, writing about books; organizing annual National Book Day and Reading Culture activities;

- Supporting study activities, connecting activities, including: Subject-based searches; writing, drawing, interacting with authors, illustrators, guest speakers in children's literature; group work; interaction between grade levels; organizing clubs, groups sharing books and materials on local traditions, culture, and history;

- Interactive activities and professional development for teachers, including: Recommending appropriate book lists based on subjects or topics; advising teachers on using information resources to design lessons.

c) Inter-library connectivity: Primary school libraries implement inter-library connectivity as prescribed in Article 4 of this consolidated document.

2. Level 2 Library Operation Standards

Primary school libraries meeting Level 2 library operation standards ensure the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing: The information resource retrieval system and borrowing system must be conducted through library management software.

b) Content of library activities:

- Library reading class activities must be guaranteed a minimum of 02 periods per semester per class, content determined by the primary school principal in accordance with the education program;

- Library lesson activities must be guaranteed a minimum of 01 period per semester per subject or interdisciplinary course determined by the primary school principal in accordance with the education program;

- Ensuring that 100% of teachers and a minimum of 80% of students in the entire school read books at the library and borrow books home annually;

c) Library Interconnection: Implement interlibrary connections by rotating printed resources or sharing digital information resources periodically at least once per academic year.

Article 14. Library Management Standards

1. Level 1 Library Management Standards

a) Information resource management, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities management

- Having plans for preserving, storing, inventorying, purging, and developing information resources; managing physical facilities and specialized equipment; library activities approved annually by the primary school principal;

- There is a system of files, ledgers, and library regulations ensuring management of information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities;

- Information resources are evaluated annually as a basis for preservation, storage, inventorying, purging, and developing information resources. Developing information resources is carried out through purchasing on the market (including purchasing access rights to databases, digital information resources); domestic and international organizations and individuals' sponsorship and donations; open access sources and inter-library connectivity;

- Physical infrastructure and specialized equipment are inspected, maintained, repaired, and replaced in a timely manner. They are inventoried and assessed annually to serve as a basis for asset liquidation, budget allocation for repairs, replacements, or additional investments. The library management software ensures operational conditions and upgrades consistent with library activity requirements;

- Library activities are publicized to library users; organized according to approved plans and evaluated annually for library activity effectiveness;

b) Responsibilities of relevant parties

- The primary school principal is responsible for:

Issuing regulations on library management, exploitation, and use; the system of files, ledgers, and library rules. Approving plans for managing information resources; plans for developing physical infrastructure and specialized equipment; financial plans and library activities; schedules for library activities;

Assigning personnel to handle library work full-time or part-time as appropriate to the planned activities and schedules;

Organizing inspections, supervision, and evaluation of library activities; reporting to higher-level management authorities as prescribed;

- The head of the specialized department is responsible for: Building library activity plans linked to the overall activity plans of the department weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

- Personnel handling library work are responsible for:

Preparing plans for information resource preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development according to library professional procedures; repairing simple equipment, destroying unusable equipment;

Managing, keeping, and using the system of files and ledgers tracking library management, exploitation, use, and preservation;

Coordinating to build library activity plans weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

Leading and coordinating with teachers in implementing library activities as prescribed; ensuring safety and fire prevention conditions during library activities;

Building content and organizing library reading sessions; preparing information resources and specialized equipment according to the requirements of each field of elementary education using library reading sessions;

Preparing regular reports on library work;

Participating in professional training and skill enhancement;

- Teachers are responsible for:

Coordinating to build library activity plans weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

Leading and coordinating with personnel handling library work in implementing library activities;

Building content and organizing library lessons; preparing information resources and specialized equipment according to the requirements of each field of education using library lessons;

c) Library personnel

- Having a degree of at least a college level in information-library science or a related field; other fields require a certificate in professional knowledge and skills in information-library science issued by authorized agencies or organizations;

- Library personnel enjoy salaries, occupational benefits, and hazardous duty allowances as prescribed by law;

d) Operating funds

- Annual operating funds of the library are used to maintain and develop information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and organize library activities. The annual operating funds of the library are managed and utilized in accordance with legal provisions;

- Annual operating funds of the library are established based on the library's needs, the kindergarten's capacity, and internal expenditure regulations of the kindergarten;

- Annual operating funds of the library are allocated from the kindergarten's annual regular budget; income from library services; sponsorships, grants, donations, and contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals as prescribed by law and other lawful sources of income;

2. Level 2 Library Management Standards

Primary school libraries meeting Level 2 library management standards ensure the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Library staff work under a dedicated or part-time system as prescribed by the primary school principal or according to staffing norms for educational institutions. In cases of part-time work, library staff must ensure the time allocated for the library;

b) Annual operating expenses of the library must be at least 3% of the kindergarten's total annual regular budget.

 

Chapter IV
STANDARDS FORPRIMARY SCHOOL LIBRARY

 

Article 15. Standards for Information Resources

1. Level 1 Information Resource Standards

a) Having sufficient information resources that are appropriate for secondary school students; meeting the learning and entertainment needs of students and teaching and research requirements of teachers; aligning with educational goals and content in the secondary education curriculum, processed according to library business rules;

b) Secondary schools: Each student has at least 04 copies of books, each teacher has at least 01 set of books related to their subject;

High schools: Each student has at least 05 copies of books, each teacher has at least 01 set of books related to their subject;

c) The information resource requirements ensure the provisions stipulated in point c, Clause 1, Article 5 of this document.

2. Level 2 Information Resource Standards

The secondary school library reaching Level 2 standard for information resources ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having expanded information resources: Specialized knowledge; domestic and international secondary education methods; training and enhancing teachers' and librarians' professional skills; reference books by subject; printed books, pictures, photographs, maps, newspapers, magazines, audio recordings, video recordings, stories, models, electronic learning materials in Vietnamese, foreign languages, or ethnic languages (if applicable); braille books for visually impaired students (if applicable);

b) Secondary schools: Each student has at least 05 copies of books; 06 titles of newspapers and magazines, each title having at least 03 copies;

High schools: Each student has at least 06 copies of books; 06 titles of newspapers and magazines, each title having at least 03 copies;

The information resource repository is reflected through an electronic catalog instead of a traditional catalog. Ensuring that 35% of the library's total information resources are electronic learning materials.

Article 16. Standards for Physical Infrastructure

1. Level 1 Infrastructure Standards

a) The secondary school library is located in a convenient area for student access and use, especially for visually impaired students; prioritizing placement on the first floor (ground floor) near classroom blocks;

b) The library area is determined based on 30% to 50% of the total number of students in the school and ensuring a minimum standard of 0.60 m²/student. The total library area must not be less than 60 square meters.² (excluding open space areas);

c) Functional zones of the library can be arranged in one room or separate but adjacent rooms. The area of functional zones of the library is specified as follows:

- Reading space must have at least one reading room for students and teachers. Open spaces are arranged around or outside the library, ensuring ventilation, quietness, and distance from pollution-prone areas, safe and convenient for library users;

- Storage area for information resources must have sufficient space to store all information resources, which can be arranged in a separate room or within the reading room and open spaces, ensuring management suitability for different types of information resources;

- The borrowing and management area is arranged separately or together with the reading room;

d) Technical requirements ensure the provisions stipulated in point d, Clause 1, Article 6 of this document.

2. Level 2 Infrastructure Standards

The secondary school library reaching Level 2 standard for physical infrastructure ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having a minimum reading room for students of 45 seats, a minimum reading room for teachers of 20 seats, ensuring that the seating area in the reading room is not less than 2.4 square meters per seat.²/seat;

b) The storage area for information resources must ensure a book storage area of 2.5 m²/1000 units of information resources; an open book storage area of 4.5 m²/1000 units of information resources;

c) The borrowing and management area must not be less than 0.6 m²/library staff member.

Article 17. Standards for Specialized Equipment

1. Level 1 Special Equipment Standards

a) Having sufficient specialized equipment, including: bookshelves, desks, chairs for students; desks, chairs for teachers; desks, chairs, cabinets for library staff; catalog boxes, catalog books, book introduction boards; library usage guides, and other equipment;

b) Requirements for specialized equipment ensure dimensions suitable for secondary school students' age groups and as specified in Point b, Clause 1, Article 7 of this document.

2. Level 2 Equipment Standards

The secondary school library reaching Level 2 standard for specialized equipment ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Having complete specialized equipment to support library activities in the student reading room, teacher reading room, information resource storage area, borrowing and management area;

b) Having computers connected to the internet, printers, audiovisual equipment, digitalization devices for information resources to support library activities in the student reading room, teacher reading room, borrowing and management area;

c) Library management software must comply with the provisions set out in Clause 4 of Article 4 of this document.

d) Other information technology devices.

Article 18. Standards for Library Activities

1. Level 1 Library Operation Standards

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing

- The information resource retrieval system must be implemented directly at the library, ensuring easy and convenient access while also allowing related data to be retrieved.

- The borrowing system must be carried out using a ticket system or other methods suitable for the organizational conditions of the library.

b) Library Activities Content

- Introducing and guiding the implementation of library rules and usage, including: Guiding users to comply with library rules, understand signage and symbols; how to search, retrieve catalogues, select information resources, and access data (for libraries with digital information resources) in accordance with users' levels, reading and learning needs, scientific research, knowledge enhancement, and entertainment needs of students and teaching and research requirements of teachers;

- Promoting reading activities, forming and developing reading habits, including: Reading books in the library, open spaces, and borrowing books home; organizing reading sessions in the library with various forms, flexibly scheduled within the timetable or integrated into other educational activities; organizing subject-based lessons, educational activities, or interdisciplinary lessons in the library; organizing book reading days, weeks, themed readings, storytelling competitions based on books, writing about books; organizing annual Vietnam Book Day and Reading Culture activities;

- Supporting study activities, connecting, including: Thematic searching; writing, drawing, self-publishing books, co-authoring books, author interactions, artist and guest interactions in children's literature; group work; interaction between classes; organizing clubs, sharing groups on local traditions, culture, and history;

- Interactive activities and professional development for teachers, including: Recommending appropriate book lists based on subjects or topics; advising teachers on using information resources to design lessons.

c) Inter-library connectivity: Secondary school libraries implement inter-library connectivity as prescribed in Article 4 of this document.

2. Level 2 Library Operation Standards

The secondary school library reaching Level 2 standard for library activities ensures the provisions stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Information Resource Retrieval and Borrowing: The information resource retrieval system and borrowing system must be conducted through library management software.

b) Content of library activities:

- Library reading sessions must ensure a minimum of 03 sessions/semester/class, content determined by the secondary school principal in accordance with the education program;

- Library lesson activities must ensure a minimum of 01 session/semester/subject or interdisciplinary subject determined by the secondary school principal in accordance with the education program;

- Ensuring that 100% of teachers and a minimum of 80% of students in the entire school read books at the library and borrow books home annually;

c) Library Interconnection: Implement interlibrary connections by rotating printed resources or sharing digital information resources periodically at least once per academic year.

Article 19. Library Management Standards

1. Level 1 Library Management Standards

a) Information resource management, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities management

- Have plans for preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development of information resources; manage physical facilities and specialized equipment; library activities are approved annually by the High School Principal;

- There is a system of files, ledgers, and library regulations ensuring management of information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and library activities;

- Information resources are evaluated annually as a basis for preservation, storage, inventorying, purging, and developing information resources. Developing information resources is carried out through purchasing on the market (including purchasing access rights to databases, digital information resources); domestic and international organizations and individuals' sponsorship and donations; open access sources and inter-library connectivity;

- Physical infrastructure and specialized equipment are inspected, maintained, repaired, and replaced in a timely manner. They are inventoried and assessed annually to serve as a basis for asset liquidation, budget allocation for repairs, replacements, or additional investments. The library management software ensures operational conditions and upgrades consistent with library activity requirements;

- Library activities are publicized to library users; organized according to approved plans and evaluated annually for library activity effectiveness;

b) Responsibilities of relevant parties

- The High School Principal is responsible for:

Issuing regulations on library management, exploitation, and use; the system of files, ledgers, and library rules. Approving plans for managing information resources; plans for developing physical infrastructure and specialized equipment; financial plans and library activities; schedules for library activities;

Assigning personnel to handle library work full-time or part-time as appropriate to the planned activities and schedules;

Organizing inspections, supervision, and evaluation of library activities; reporting to higher-level management authorities as prescribed;

- The head of the specialized department is responsible for: Building library activity plans linked to the overall activity plans of the department weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

- Personnel handling library work are responsible for:

Preparing plans for information resource preservation, storage, inventory, purification, and development according to library professional procedures; repairing simple equipment, destroying unusable equipment;

Managing, keeping, and using the system of files and ledgers tracking library management, exploitation, use, and preservation;

Coordinating to build library activity plans weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

Leading and coordinating with teachers in implementing library activities as prescribed; ensuring safety and fire prevention conditions during library activities;

Developing reading session content and organizing reading sessions at the library; preparing information resources and specialized equipment according to the requirements of each secondary education field that uses library reading sessions;

Preparing regular reports on library work;

Participating in professional training and skill enhancement;

- Teachers are responsible for:

Coordinating to build library activity plans weekly, monthly, per semester, and annually;

Leading and coordinating with personnel handling library work in implementing library activities;

Building content and organizing library lessons; preparing information resources and specialized equipment according to the requirements of each field of education using library lessons;

c) Library personnel

- Having a degree of at least a college level in information-library science or a related field; other fields require a certificate in professional knowledge and skills in information-library science issued by authorized agencies or organizations;

- Library personnel enjoy salaries, occupational benefits, and hazardous duty allowances as prescribed by law;

d) Operating funds

- Annual operating funds of the library are used to maintain and develop information resources, physical infrastructure, specialized equipment, and organize library activities. The annual operating funds of the library are managed and utilized in accordance with legal provisions;

- Annual operating funds of the library are established based on the library's needs, the kindergarten's capacity, and internal expenditure regulations of the kindergarten;

- Annual operating funds of the library are allocated from the kindergarten's annual regular budget; income from library services; sponsorships, grants, donations, and contributions from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals as prescribed by law and other lawful sources of income;

2. Level 2 Library Management Standards

The high school library meeting Level 2 library management standards ensures the provisions set out in Clause 1 of this Article and the following regulations:

a) Library staff work under a full-time or part-time system as prescribed by the High School Principal or according to staffing norms for educational institutions. In the case of part-time work, library staff must ensure the time allocated for the library as prescribed;

b) Annual operating expenses of the library must be at least 3% of the kindergarten's total annual regular budget.

 

Chapter V
LIBRARY STANDARDS FOR COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOLS
WITH MULTIPLE GRADE LEVELS

 

Article 20. Information Resource Standards

1. Level 1 Information Resource Standards

Apply the Level 1 information resource standards for each grade level in this document.

2. Level 2 Information Resource Standards

Comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels meeting Level 2 information resource standards apply the Level 2 information resource standards for each grade level in this document.

Article 21. Physical Facilities Standards

1. Level 1 Infrastructure Standards

Apply the Level 1 physical facilities standards for the highest grade level in this document.

2. Level 2 Infrastructure Standards

Comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels meeting Level 2 physical facilities standards apply the Level 2 physical facilities standards for the highest grade level in this document and the following regulations:

a) Reading rooms for students and teachers must meet the quota for each grade level;

b) Reading space must be arranged with separate zones for each grade level.

Article 22. Specialized Equipment Standards

1. Level 1 Special Equipment Standards

Apply the Level 1 specialized equipment standards for each grade level in this document.

2. Level 2 Equipment Standards

Comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels meeting Level 2 specialized equipment standards apply the Level 2 specialized equipment standards for each grade level in this document.

Article 23. Library Activity Standards

1. Level 1 Library Operation Standards

Apply the Level 1 library activity standards for the highest grade level in this document.

2. Level 2 Library Operation Standards

Comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels meeting Level 2 library activity standards apply the Level 2 library activity standards for the highest grade level in this document.

Article 24. Library Management Standards

1. Level 1 Library Management Standards

Apply the Level 1 library management standards for the highest grade level in this document.

2. Level 2 Library Management Standards

Comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels meeting Level 2 library management standards apply the Level 2 library management standards for the highest grade level in this document.

 

Chapter VI
IMPLEMENTATION

 

Article 25. Library Evaluation

1. Principles of Library Evaluation

a) Ensure objectivity, accuracy, honesty, transparency, fairness in evaluating preschool, primary, secondary school libraries, and comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels through statistical methods, calculations, and data collection from libraries;

b) Conduct periodic evaluations at the end of the academic year.

2. Library Evaluation Levels

a) Meeting Level 1 Standards

All standards: Information Resources, Physical Facilities, Specialized Equipment, Library Activities, and Library Management must meet Level 1 standards in this document;

b) Meeting Level 2 Standards

All standards: Information Resources, Physical Facilities, Specialized Equipment, Library Activities, and Library Management must meet Level 2 standards in this document.

3. Self-Evaluation of Libraries

a) Annual self-evaluation reports on library activities for preschools, primary schools, lower secondary schools, and comprehensive schools (highest grade level being lower secondary school) are conducted by library staff, reviewed and approved by the Principal, and submitted to the Department of Education and Training for review and recognition;

b) Annual self-evaluation reports on library activities for upper secondary schools and comprehensive schools (highest grade level being upper secondary school) are conducted by library staff, reviewed and approved by the Principal, and submitted to the Provincial Department of Education and Training for review and recognition;

c) Libraries conduct annual self-evaluations at the end of the academic year according to the regulations in this document and submit self-evaluation reports to the educational management authority within sixty days after the end of the academic year.

4. Library Evaluation and Recognition

a) Educational management authorities conduct evaluation and recognition of libraries meeting standard levels through one or more of the following methods:

- Through the submission of self-evaluation report results of library activities;

- Directly evaluating library activities;

- Online through a data processing software system;

b) Evaluation and recognition of preschool, primary, lower secondary school libraries, and comprehensive schools (highest grade level being lower secondary school) are conducted by the Department of Education and Training;

c) Evaluation and recognition of upper secondary school and comprehensive school libraries (highest grade level being upper secondary school) are conducted by the Provincial Department of Education and Training;

d) The cycle for library evaluation and recognition is five years.

5. Library evaluation results are used for quality assurance activities, national standard recognition for preschools, primary schools, secondary schools, comprehensive schools with multiple grade levels, and other activities as prescribed by law.

Article 26Responsibilities of Educational Management Authorities and Educational Institutions

1. Responsibilities of Departments of Education and Training

a) Advise provincial People's Committees to invest in building new or renovating upper secondary school and comprehensive school libraries (highest grade level being upper secondary school) to meet the standards issued in this document;

b) Organize the evaluation and recognition of upper secondary school and comprehensive school libraries (highest grade level being upper secondary school) according to the standards issued in this document;

c) Report on the management and use of preschool, primary, secondary school, and comprehensive school libraries to the provincial People's Committee and the Ministry of Education and Training.

d) Chair, direct the implementation of library interconnection among secondary schools' libraries and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being secondary school); coordinate with provincial-level library management units to organize the implementation of library interconnection among secondary schools' libraries and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being secondary school) with provincial-level libraries;

đ) Direct, inspect, and supervise secondary schools, general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being secondary school) under their jurisdiction to implement library organization, management, and usage in accordance with regulations;

2. Responsibilities of District Departments of Education and Training

a) Advise the People's Committee at the district level on investment in building new or renovating kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) libraries within their jurisdiction to ensure they meet the standards set forth in this document;

b) Organize the evaluation and recognition of kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) libraries within their jurisdiction according to the standards set forth in this document;

c) Report the situation of managing and using kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) libraries within their jurisdiction to the People's Committee at the district level and the Department of Education and Training;

d) Chair, direct the implementation of library interconnection among kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) libraries within their jurisdiction; coordinate with village-level and district-level library management units to organize the implementation of library interconnection among kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) libraries within their jurisdiction with village-level and district-level libraries;

đ) Direct, inspect, and supervise kindergartens, primary schools, junior high schools, and general education schools with multiple levels (the highest level being junior high school) under their jurisdiction to implement library organization, management, and usage in accordance with regulations;

3. Responsibilities of educational institutions

a) Advise the competent authority to develop plans for investment in building new or renovating kindergartens', primary schools', junior high schools', and general education schools with multiple levels to ensure they meet the standards set forth in this document;

b) Annually organize self-evaluation of library activities according to the standards set forth in this document and request the higher-level educational management agency to organize evaluation and recognition of the library;

c) Report the situation of managing and using the library to the higher-level management agency;

d) Implement library interconnection in accordance with regulations;

đ) Organize library management and usage in accordance with regulations;

Article 27. Transitional Provisions

1. For kindergarten libraries, quality assessment and national standard recognition shall be conducted according to this document five years from the date this document takes effect;

2. For primary school, secondary school, and general education schools with multiple levels that have been certified for quality assessment and recognized as meeting national standards before the effective date of this document, such recognition will continue based on the previously recognized level and degree; when re-certifying or recognizing a higher level or degree, the provisions of this document shall apply;

3. For new construction or renovation projects of kindergarten, primary school, secondary school, and general education schools with multiple levels that have been approved for investment or granted permission to invest prior to the effective date of this document, they shall continue to be implemented according to the approved content./.