Laws and Practices Related to Librarianship

LAWS AND PRACTICES RELATED TO LIBRARIANSHIP REVIEW NOTES What is the law that provided for the modernization of the Professional Regulations Commission (PRC)? Rep. Act No. 8981, otherwise known as the PRC Modernization Act of 2000 was approved on Dec. 5, 2000. It expressly repealed Rep. Act No. 546, PD No. 223, PD No. 657, Rep. Act No. 5181 and EO No. 226 (1995). What are the salient features of the new PRC law? The term of office of the PRC Commissioner is seven (7) years without reappointment. Chairperson or Commissioner must at least be forty (40) years old, holding a valid certificate of registration and has had five (5) years of executive or management experience. What is the composition of the PRC? Three (3) man commission to be headed by one full-time Chairperson and two (2) full-time Commissioners. Provided that one of the Commissioners must be a past Chairperson / member of a Professional Regulatory Board. At present, the PRC Chairperson and lone Commissioner is Leonor Rosero. She is assisted by Asst. Comm. Atty. Aristogerson T. Gesmundo. What is the latest law on Philippine Librarianship? Republic Act No. 9246 – an act modernizing the practice of librarianship in the Philippines thereby repealing Rep. Act. 6966, entitled “An act regulating the practice of librarianship and prescribing the qualifications of librarians, appropriating funds therefore and for other purposes.” When was Rep. Act No. 9246 approved / effective? 1. Signed into law by the President – February 19, 2004 2. Published in Manila Times – March 1, 2004 3. Published in Official Gazette – April 12, 2004 4. Effectivity Date per Exec. Order 200, s. 1986 – March 16, 2004 What are the objectives of Republic Act No. 9246? This act shall govern the following: 1. Admission a. National examination for licensure b. Registration of librarians c. Issuance of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card 2. Regulation a. Supervision, control and regulation of the practice of librarianship 3. Integration a. Integration of librarians under one national organization 4. Continuing Professional Education a. Development of professional competence of librarians What are the scopes of the Practice of Librarianship? 1. Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information 2. Cataloguing and classification of sources of information 3. Creation of local databases 4. Development of computer-assisted/backed information system 5. Establishment of library systems and procedures 6. Dissemination of information

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7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Rendering of information, reference and research assistance Archiving Education of users Teaching, lecturing and reviewing of library, archives and information science subjects Rendering of services in abstracting, indexing, cataloging, and classifying Preparation of bibliographies, subject authority lists, thesauri, union catalogs Preparation, evaluation, appraisal of plans, programs and projects for the establishments of library or information centers 14. Determination of library requirements for space, buildings, structures or facilities 15. Provision of professional and consultancy services and advice on any aspect of librarianship 16. Organization, conservation, preservation and restoration of historical and cultural documents and other intellectual properties How are the provisions of the law to be implemented? Rep. Act No. 9246 is implemented by Resolution No. 5, s. 2004 otherwise known as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9246. What is the Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians? A Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians is composed of a Chairperson and two (2) members appointed by the President of the Philippines from among the list of recommended submitted by the PRC from among the list of nominees submitted by the accredited integrated national professional organization of librarians from among the librarians of recognized standing who qualify under Section 7. What are the qualifications of members of the PRB for Librarians? At the time of their appointment, they shall possess the following: 1. A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines 2. Of good reputation and moral character 3. Active in the practice of librarianship for at least ten (10) years, five (5) years of which is in a managerial position. 4. Must not be a member of the faculty of a university, college, school or institution conferring the academic degree of librarianship or offering review classes for librarian licensure examination nor a person who has a direct or indirect pecuniary interest in any such institution 5. Must not be incumbent officer of the accredited integrated national professional organization of librarians Can a librarian who is below 40 years of age qualify as members of the PRB for Librarians? Yes, because under Rep. Act No. 9246, age is no longer one of the qualifications of members of the PRB for librarians. Unlike under Rep. Act NO. 6966 where a member should at least be 40 years of age at the time of appointment. What is term of office of PRB for Librarians? The Chairperson and members of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3) years renewable for another term of three (3) years but in no case shall the whole term exceed six (6) years. What are the qualifications of applicants to the licensure examinations for librarians? 1. Citizen of the Philippines 2. Foreign citizen (on the basis of reciprocity) 3. Good health and good moral character 4. Graduate of a Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science and Information Science or Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science

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5. Within five (5) years from the effectivity of the law, graduates of the following degrees are also qualified. a. Bachelor of Science in Education or Elementary Education b. Bachelor of Arts with Major or Specialization in Library Science c. Master of Arts in Library Science or Library and Information Science d. Any masteral degree with concentration in Library Science What are the subjects of the licensure examination for librarians and their relative weight? 1. Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information (15%) 2. Cataloguing classification (20%) 3. Indexing and abstracting (15%) 4. Reference, bibliography and information services (20%) 5. Organization, management, development and maintenance of multi-media based library or information services, laws, trends and practices affecting the profession (20%) 6. Information Technology (10%) Note: (The relative weights for each subject was determined by the PRB for Librarians pursuant to Res. 1 – Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) What is the passing grade for the licensure examination? To pass the examination, an examinee must obtain a weighted generals average of 75% with no grade lower than 50% in any subject. Note: (Rep. Act No. 6966 did not provide any grade requirement in its provision, instead it was provided in its Implementing Rules and Regulations – WGA of 75% and a disqualifier of below 60%.) How many times can an examinee take the examination? As many times one likes to take it. The law deleted the provision on repeaters under RA 6966 which was 3 o 4 times. Who can be granted certificate of registration without having to take the licensure examination? [Or “Grandfather Clause” 1. A practicing librarian who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree and a librarian or supervising librarian eligible 2. A practicing librarian who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree, eighteen (18) units in library science, five (5) years experience in librarianship, and a first grade eligible or its equivalent 3. A practicing librarian who has completed a Masteral Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science, and a first grade eligible or its equivalent 4. A practicing librarian who has completed at least a bachelor’s degree, eighteen (18) units in library science, and seven (7) years experience in librarianship Note: a. Practicing (underscoring mine) b. Qualification must have been present on Dec. 5, 1990. The effectivity date of Rep. Act 6966. c. Application to avail of this section is three (3) years from the effectivity of this law on March 16, 2004. d. The first three are also those qualifications under RA 6966 and the fourth are those who were left out under Rep. Act 6966 because they are not civil service eligible. What is a grandfather clause? A grandfather clause is a provision in a new law or regulation exempting those already in or part of the existing system which is being regulated.

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What is the section in Rep. Act No. 9246 that is being referred to as a grandfather clause? Section 19 which states, that upon application and payment of the required fees, certificates of registration as librarian shall be issued without the necessity of licensure examination to qualified applicants. Can an examinee be refused issuance of certificate of registration and Professional ID Card even if he passed the licensure examination? Yes. If he / she – 1. Has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of any criminal offense involving moral turpitude 2. Has been found guilty of immoral or dishonorable conduct after investigation by the Board 3. Declared to be of unsound mind What are the grounds for revocation and suspension of certificate of registration and Professional ID Card or cancellation of temporary / special permit. The Board has the power, after due notice and hearing, 1. On grounds per Sec. 22 2. Unprofessional or dishonorable conduct 3. Malpractice 4. Incompetence 5. Serious ignorance or negligence in the practice of librarianship 6. Fraud 7. Deceit or falsification in obtaining a Certificate of Registration, or Prof. ID or Temp. / Special permit 8. Abatement of illegal practice by allowing illegal use of his / her Certificate of Registration, or Prof. ID or Temp. . Special permit 9. Practice of profession during the period of suspension 10. Any violation of Rep. 9246,, IRR, Code of Ethics, Code of Technical Standards for Librarians or Board policies. What is a roster of librarians? The Board and the Integrated Professional Organization of Librarians shall maintain a roster which is: 1. Up to date 2. Complete 3. Properly organized 4. Arranged alphabetically by surname with addresses and license number 5. Arranged numerically by license number 6. Copies of which shall be provided as permanent record of The National Library (TNL), Civil Service Commission (CSC) and the Accredited Integrated National Organization of Librarians What constitute illegal practice of librarianship? When a person practices or offer to practice librarianship or assume any position which involve performing the scope or function provided in Section 5 Rep. Act No. 9246 and does not have a valid certificate of registration, Professional ID Card or temporary / special permit from the Commission. Are librarians registered under Rep. Act No. 6966 automatically registered under the new law? Yes, Sec. 29 of Rep. Act No. 9246 so stated. What is an Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians? All registered librarians shall be integrated under a single organization recognized and accredited by the Board and approved by the Commission. Membership in this organization shall not be a bar to membership to any other association of librarians.

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What is the provision of the new law as regards government librarians specially those in local government libraries / public libraries? The law stressed that al librarians working in government libraries including public libraries must be licensed librarians. This requirement must be complied with by local government units beginning Feb. 19, 2004 until three (3) years thereafter or February 19, 2007. What is the penalty for illegal practices of librarianship and other offences? Fine of not less than P 30,000.00 nor more than P 100,000.00 Or Imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than three (3) years. Note: Under Rep. Act No. 6966 Fine = not less than P 500.00 nor more than P 2,000.00 Or Imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than two (2) years. What is Continuing Professional Education (CPE)? Continuing Professional Education refers to the inculcation, assimilation and acquisition of knowledge, skills, proficiency and ethical and moral values after the initial registration of a professional that raise and enhance the professional’s technical skills and competence. What are PCCA and NCCA? Presidential Commission on Culture and Arts was created by Executive Order No. 118 s. 1987 mandated to formulate and maintain the national policy, support, and dissemination of frameworks for culture and the arts. This Commission has for its successor-in-interest the National Commission for Culture and Arts by virtue of Rep. Act No. 7356. It now formulates policies for the development of culture and arts and implements these policies in coordination with affiliated cultural agencies. What is National Committee on Libraries and Information Services (NCLIS)? This is a committee under the Sub-Commission on Cultural Heritage of the NCCA which is tasked to formulate policies for the development of culture and arts by libraries, librarians and library educators. Who are the incumbent officers of NCLIS? The incumbent officers are the following: Chairperson: Ofelia Carague Vice Chairperson: Thelma Kim Secretary: Milagros Santos-Ong Asst. Secretary: Marianita Dablio Members: Claudette Albano Arabella Ananoria Rosemarie Ante Cynthia Dagus Wilma Medrano Rebecca Napiere

Rosario Ruiz Lourdes Soriano Iluminada Yap Representative from The National Library and PLAI

Is there a new law that provides for the establishment of public libraries? Yes. Rep. Act No. 7743 provides that the National Library in coordination with the DILG shall undertake the establishment of additional public libraries to serve all congressional districts, cities and municipalities in the Philippines and reading centers in every barangay.

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How many licensure examinations for librarians have the BFL-PRC conducted? There have been a total of fifteen (15) examinations for librarians conducted since 1992. This forthcoming licensure examination in November 2007 will be the sixteenth (16th). How many are the licensed librarians to date? To date, there are 5082 licensed librarians throughout the Philippines. Who are the incumbent members of the PRB for Librarians? Cora Nera – Chairperson Elnora Conti – Member Elizabeth Peralejo – Member Who are the recipients of the Outstanding Professional Librarian Award of the PRC? 1. Rosa M. Vallejo – 1994 8. Adoracion B. Mendoza – 2001 2. Numeriana M. Villareal – 1995 9. Rosita Q. Ling – 2002 3. Vidal E. Santos – 1996 10. Salvacion M. Arlante – 2003 4. Josephine C. Sison – 1997 11. Susima L. Gonzales – 2004 5. Leonor B. Gregorio – 1998 12. Milagros Santos-Ong – 2005 6. Antonio M. Santos – 1999 13. Fe Angela Verzosa – 2006 7. Cora V. Nera – 2000 14. Prudenciana Cruz – 2007 What is CONSAL? The Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (CONSAL) was formed in August 1970. Current members are Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. CONSAL convenes a general conference at least once in three (3) years in each member country by rotation. CONSAL II (1973), CONSAL VII (1987) and CONSAL XIII (2006) were held in the Philippines. CONSAL XIV will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam in 2009. What is Republic Act No. 8047 about? On June 7, 1995 Rep. Act No. 8047, the Book Publishing Industry Development Act was signed into law. The law is geared at promoting the growth and development of book publishing. It envisions the promotion of book readership among Filipinos, particularly the young through book fairs, exhibits or programs which enhances literary and good reading habits. When is the Philippine Book Development Month? In 1997 and 1998, Proc. 1014 and Proc. No. 1222, respectively, were issued to declare the month of June in 1997 and 1998 as the Philippine Book Development Month. But on June 25, 1999, Proc. No. 120 was issued declaring the month of June 1999 and every year thereafter as the Philippine Book Development Month. What are the intentions behind the celebration of the Philippine Book Development Month? Its intention is to conduct an annual national celebration to focus national attention on the important contribution of books in the economic and social growth of the country. During this period the National Book Development Board established pursuant to Rep. Act No. 8047is tasked to adopt measures and implement activities. Which are the agencies tasked to spearhead the celebration of the Library ad Information Services Month? The National Library and the National Committee on Library and Information Services (NCLIS) of the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA).

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Which of the group in the association of accredited professional organization does the library profession belong? It is the Business Management and Related Group. The other groups are Medical and Heath Group, Engineering and Technology Group and Maritime and Seafarers Group. What are the two (2) biggest annual celebration of PLAI mandated by Proc. No. 109, s. 1936 and Proc. No. 837, s. 1991? Proc. No. 109 designated the period from Nov. 24-30, each year as National Book Week. Proc. No. 837 declared the month of November 1991 and every year thereafter as “Library and Information Services Month.” When was the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc. (PLAI) established? PLAI was established on October 23, 1923. How are the members of the different regulatory boards selected? Exec. Order No. 496, s. 1991 instituted procedures and criteria for the selection and the recommendation of nominees for appointment to vacant position in the Professional Regulatory Board. How many professions are presently under the regulation of the PRC? There are at present forty-two (42) professions regulated by the PRC. PRC is directly under the supervision of the Office of the President. What is the law that regulates the ethical practices of librarians? The Code of Ethics for Registered Librarians or Res. No. 2, s. 1992 regulates the ethnical practices of librarians. What is the law that regulates the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities? Executive Order No. 566 dated Sept. 8, 2006 directed the Commission on Higher Education the regulation of the establishment and operation of review centers and similar entities.

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