The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003 (RA 9246) and the Policies and

Standards for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science

(BLIS): Bases for Staffing Structure and Training in the Philippines

Corazon M. NeraDirector of Libraries, Lyceum of the Philippines

Member, Board of Librarians, PRC

Chronology of Events:

December 2, 2003 – House Bill (HB) No. 5351 An ActModerning the Practice of Librarianship in the Philippines thereby Repealing RA 6966 was passed bythe House of Representatives.

December 16, 2003 – Senate Bill (SB) No. 2579 (Senateversion) was passed by the Senate.

February 19, 2004 – The Consolidated HB No. 5351 and SB No.2579 entitled, An Act Modernizing the Practice of Librarianship in the Philippines thereby RepealingRepublic Act No. 6966, Appropriating Funds Thereforand For Other Purposes was signed and approved byPresident Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as RA 9246.

March 1, 2004 – RA 9246 was published in the Manila Times, anational newspaper of general circulation.

March 17, 2004 – Effectivity date of RA 9246 fifteen (15) daysfollowing its publication in the Manila Times.

September 19, 1990-Approval of the repealed law RA 6966, An Act regulating the Practice of Librarianship andPrescribing the Qualifications of Librarians by President Corazon C. Aquino.

December 5, 1990 – Effectivity date of RA 6966 and reckoningdate for the compliance of requirements (e.g. years of experience in librarianship) for registration without examination.

Republic Act No. 9246

AN ACT MODERNIZING THE PRACTICE OFLIBRARIANSHIP IN THE PHILIPPINES THEREBYREPEALING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6966, ENTITLED: “ANACT REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF LIBRARIANSHIPAND PRESCRIBING THE QUALIFICATIONS OFLIBRARIANS,” APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORAND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Section 1. SHORT Title. – This Act shall be known as “The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003.”

SEC. 2. Statement Policy. – The State recognizesthe essential role of librarianship as a profession in developingthe intellectual capacity of the citizenry thus making libraryservice a regular component for national development. It shallthrough honest, effective and credible licensure examinationand regulatory measures, undertake programs and activitiesthat would promote and nurture the professional and well-rounded librarians whose standards of practice and serviceshall be characterized by excellence, quality, and geared towards world-class global competitiveness.

Sec. 3. Objectives. – This Act shall govern theFollowing:

(a) National examination for licensure, registration oflibrarians, issuance of Certificate of Registration andProfessional Identification Card;

(b) Supervision, control and regulation of practice oflibrarianship;

(c) Integration of librarians under one national organization; and

(d) Development of professional competence oflibrarians.

Sec. 5. Scope of the Practice of Librarianship. – Librarianship shall deal with the performance of the librarian’sfunction, which shall include, but not limited to the following:

(1) Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources ofinformation which would best respond to clientele’s need for adequate, relevant and timely information;

(2) Cataloguing and classification of knowledge or sources of information into relevant organized collections andcreation of local databases for speedy access, retrieval ordelivery of information;

(3) Development of computer-assisted/computer- backed information systems which would permit online and network services;

4) Establishment of library systems and procedures;dissemination of information; rendering of information;reference and research assistance; archiving; and education of users;

(5) Teaching, lecturing and reviewing of library,archives and information science subjects, including subjectsgiven in the licensure examination;

(6) Rendering of services involving technical knowledge/expertise in abstracting, indexing, cataloguing andclassifying; or the preparation of bibliographies, subject authority lists, thesauri and union catalogues/lists;

(7) Preparation, evaluation or appraisal of plans,programs and/or projects for the establishment,organization,development and growth of libraries or information centers,and the determination of library requirements for space,buildings, structures or facilities;

(8) Provision of professional and consultancy servicesor advice on any aspect of librarianship; and

(9) Organization, conservation, preservation andrestoration of historical and cultural documents and otherintellectual properties.

SEC 6. Creation and Composition of the Board. – There is hereby created a Professional Regulatory Board forLibrarianship, hereinafter called the Board, under theadministrative supervision and control of the ProfessionalRegulation Commission, hereinafter referred to as theCommission, to be composed of a Chairperson and two (2)members who shall be appointed by the President of thePhilippines from among the list of three (3) recommendees foreach position submitted by the Commission from among thelist of five (5) nominees for each position submitted by the accredited, integrated national professional organization of librarians from among the librarians of recognized standing who qualify under Section 7 of this Act. The new Board shallbe constituted within three (3) months from the effectivity ofthis Act.

SEC. 7. Qualifications of Members of the Board. – TheChairperson and members of the Board, at the time of theirappointment, shall possess the following qualifications:

(a) A natural born citizen and resident of the Philippines;

(b) A good reputation and moral character;(c) A librarian as defined in “Section 4(a)” of this Act;(d) Active in the practice of librarianship for at least ten

(10) years, five (5) years of which is in a managerial position;(e) Must not be a member of the faculty of a university,

college, school or institution conferring the academic degreeon librarianship, or offering review classes for librarian licensure examination; nor a person who has a direct orindirect precuniary interest in any such institution; and

(f) Must not be an incumbent officer of the accredited,integrated national professional organization of librarians.

SEC. 8. Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board. – The Board shall exercise executive/administrative, rule makingand quasi-judicial powers in carrying out the provisions of thisAct. It shall be vested with the following specific powers, functions, duties, and responsibilities:

(a) To promulgate and administer rules, and regulationsnecessary to carry out the provisions of this Act;

(b) To administer oaths in connection with theadministration of this Act;

(c) To adopt an official seal of the Board;(d) To issue, suspend or revoke the Certificate of

Registration and Professional Identification Card or grant orcancel a temporary/special permit;

(e) To look into the conditions affecting the practice oflibrarianship, and when necessary, adopt such measures as maybe deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance ofhigh ethical, moral and professional standards of librarianship

(f) To adopt policies and set the standards for all types of libraries, librarians and the practice of librarianship;

(g) To ensure, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), that all institutions offering library,archives and information science education comply withprescribed standards for curriculum, faculty and facilities forcourse offerings of library science, or library and informationscience;

(h) to adopt and prescribe a Code of Ethics and a Codeof Technical Standards for Librarians;

(i) To hear and decide administrative cases involvingviolations of this Act, its Implementing Rules and Regulationsor the Code of Ethics of the CodeTechnical Standards for Librarians; and for this purpose, issue subpoena adtestificandum and the presentation of documents in connection therewith.;

(j) To prescribe guidelines in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in coordination with accreditedand integrated association for professional librarians;

(k) To prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi or terms of specification of subjects for the librarian licensureexamination consistent with the policies and standards set by the CHED; and

(l) To discharge other powers and duties as the Boardmay deem necessary for the practice of librarianship and the continued growth and development of librarians, libraries andlibrary education in the Philippines.

The policies, resolutions, rules and regulations issuedor promulgated by the Board shall be subject to review andapproval of the Commission. However, the Board’s decision,resolution or order rendered in administrative case shall besubject to review only if on appeal.

SEC. 9. Term of Office. – The Chairperson and themembers of the Board shall hold office for a term of three (3)years until their successors shall have been appointed and dulyqualified: Provided, that members of the first board to beappointed after the approval of this Act shall hold office for thefollowing terms:

the Chairperson for three (3)years, one member for two (2)years and the other member for one (1) year: Provided,further, that the Chairperson or any member may bereappointed for another term of three (3) years but in no caseshall the whole term exceed six (6) years. Interim vacancies inthe Board shall be filled for the unexpired portion of the termonly. Each member shall take the proper oath of office.

SEC. 11. Removal or Suspension of Board Members. – The Chairperson or any member of the Board may be removedor suspended by the President of the Philippines onrecommendation of the Commission if found guilty after aproper administrative investigation, based on the followinggrounds: neglect of duty, incompetence, unprofessional,unethical, immoral or dishonorable conduct; any violation ofthis Act, or the Code of Ethics and the Code of TechnicalStandards for Librarians; or commission or toleration ofirregularities in the examination such as manipulation, riggingof examination results, disclosure of secrets and information onexamination questions prior to conduct of examination,tampering of grades or final judgment, or criminal offense involving moral turpitude

ARTICLE III Licensure Examination and Registration

SEC. 14. Examinations – Applicants for registration,except those specifically allowed under Section 19 of this Act,shall be required to undergo a written licensure examination tobe given by the Board in such places and dated theCommission may designate subject to compliance with therequirements prescribed by the Commission.

SEC. 15. Qualifications of Applicants. – Applicants forlicensure examination must meet the following qualificationsat the time of filing of applications:

(a) Citizen of the Philippines or a foreign citizen whosecountry has a reciprocity with the Philippines as regards the practice of librarianship;

(b) Good health and good moral character; and(c) Graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Library Science

and Information Science: Provided, That a holder of a master’s degree in Library and Information Science shall beallowed to qualify for application to the licensure examination:Provided, further, That within five (5) years from theeffectivity of this Act, holders of the following degrees shallalso be allowed to qualify for application to the licensureexamination:

(1) Bachelor of Science in Education or ElementaryEducation; or Bachelor of Arts with a major or specializationin Library Science;

(2) Master of Arts in Library Science or Library andInformation Science; or

(3) Any masteral degree with concentration in Library Science.

SEC. 16. Scope of Examination. – The licensureexamination for librarianship shall consist of the followingsubjects:

(1) selection and acquisition of multi-media sources ofinformation;

(2) cataloguing and classification;(3) indexing and abstracting;(4) reference, bibliography and information services;(5) organization and, management and development

and maintenance of multi-media based library or informationservice, laws, trends and practices affecting the profession; and

(6) information technology.

The Board is hereby authorized to modify or add to the subjects listed above as the needs and demands in the libraryprofession may require.

SEC. 17. Rating in the Board Examination. – To bequalified as having passed the licensure examination, acandidate must obtain a weighted general average of seventy-five percent (75%), with no grade lower than fifty percent(50%) in any subject.

SEC. 18. Registration Without Examination. – Uponapplication and payment of the required fees, the Board shallissue a Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card to an applicant who, on the date ofeffectivity of Republic Act No. 6966, is:

(a) a practicing librarian who has completed at least abachelor’s degree and a librarian or supervising librarianeligible;

(b) a practicing librarian who has completed at least abachelor’s degree, eighteen (18) units in Library Science, five(5) years experience in librarianship, and a first grade eligibleor its equivalent;

(c) a practicing librarian who has completed a masteraldegree in Library Science or Library and Information Science,and a first grade eligible or its equivalent; or

(d) a practicing librarian who has completed at least abachelor’s degree, eighteen units in Library Science, and seven(7) years experience in librarianship.

Those who qualify under this section shall be giventhree(3) years within which to apply for registration upon theeffectivity of this Act.

ARTICLE IV Practice of Librarianship

Sec. 26. Illegal Practice of Librarianship. – A personwho does not have a valid Certificate of Registration andProfessional Identification Card or a temporary/special permitfrom the Commission shall not practice or offer to practicelibrarianship in the Philippines or assume any position, whichinvolve performing the function of a librarian as provided under Section 5 of this Act.

SEC. 27. Certificate of Registration/ProfessionalIdentification Card and Professional Tax Receipt. – theCertificate of Registration, Professional Identification Card andProfessional Tax Receipt number of the librarian shall bereflected in any document issued/signed in connection with thepractice of the profession.

SEC. 28. Foreign Reciprocity. – A librarian fromanother country shall be admitted for licensure examination, beissued a Certificate of Registration and ProfessionalIdentification Card and be entitled to the rights and privilegesappurtenant to this Act, if the country or state he/she is acitizen of or subject, permits Filipino librarians to practicelibrarianship on an equal basis as the librarians of said countryor state: Provided, That the requirements for Certificate ofRegistration in said country or state are substantially the sameas the requirements under this Act: Provided, further, that thelaw of such country or state grants Filipino librarians the sameprivileges as the citizens/subjects of that country/state.

SEC. 29. Vested Rights: Automatic Registration ofPracticing Librarians – All practicing librarians who areregistered at the time this Act takes effect shall automaticallybe registered.

SEC. 30. Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians. – All registered librarians shall beintegrated under a single organization recognized andaccredited by the Board and approved by the Commission.

A librarian duly registered and licensed by the Boardand the Commission shall automatically become a member ofthe integrated and accredited professional organization andshall receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant theretoupon payment of the required fees and duties. Membership inthe integrated and accredited professional organization shallnot be a bar to membership in any other association of librarians.

SEC. 31. Employment of Librarians. – Only qualifiedand licensed librarians shall be employed as librarians in allgovernment libraries. Local government units shall be given aperiod of three (3 years) from the approval of this Act to comply with this provision.

SEC. 37. Repealing Clause. – Republic Act. No. 6966is hereby repeated and all other laws, decrees, orders, rules,regulations, ordinances or parts thereof which are inconsistentwith this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity. – This act shall take effect fifteen(15) Days following its publication in the Official Gazette or anational newspaper of general circulation.

CHED MEMORANDUM ORDERNo. _________________________Series of 2004

SUBJECT: HARMONIZED PROPOSED POLICIESAND STANDARDS FOR BACHELOROF LIBRARY AND INFORMATIONSCIENCE (BLIS) PROGRAM

Policies and standards in Library and Information Scienceprogram are the desirable criteria of quality in a coursethat aims to prepare graduates to be highly competentand global competitive.

In accordance with pertinent provisions of Republic Act(RA) 7722 otherwise knows as the “Higher Education Actof 1994,” vesting the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) through its Office of Programs and Standards (OPS) the power to set minimum standards for programsand institutions of higher learning and pursuant to theprovisions provided for under RA 9246 otherwise known as‘The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003,” the followingpolicies and standards, as recommended by the Task force on Library and Information Science, are herebyadopted and promulgated by the Commission, thus:

Section 1. Rational and backgroundPolicies and standards in library and Information Science(LIS) programs are necessary for the highest level ofquality desired for the education and training of library andinformation science professional. They are meant toinstitutionalize the professions’ central function of providingquality information service to library clientele or users.Its purpose is to make LIS education responsive to thechallenges of society’s changing information needs brought about by rapid technology changes, and in keeping with the need to make LIS professionals globally competitive.

Section 2. All private higher education institutions (PHEIs)and local colleges and universities (LCUs) intending to offer theBachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Programmust secure proper authority from the Commission inaccordance herein. State universities and colleges (SUCs)including local colleges and universities (LCUs) shouldlikewise adhere to the provision herein.

Section 4. Program Description4.a ObjectivesThe BLIS curriculum shall include a body ofknowledge, skills, attitudes, values and experiencesthat will provide prospective information professionalswith the necessary competencies essential for effectiveprovisions and delivery of library and information services, the systematic organization, conservation, preservation and restoration ofbooks, historical and cultural documents andother intellectual properties.The specified body of knowledge, skills, attitudes,values and experiences shall include the following:•A general education component which is consistent withthe CHED issuances will consist of the humanities, social sciences, science and technology, natural and behavioralsciences and computer literacy, mathematics, logic andethics aimed at developing broadly educated, creative,cultured, morally upright and productive persons.

•A professional studies component to include:•Philosophy and aims of LIS;•The systematic study of LIS principles andtheories with immediate appropriate observationand laboratory experiences to provide studentswith first-hand knowledge in the appreciation andinterpretation of these theories, and

•A direct substantial participation in librarianship to provide library and information science experience over a period of time, under the supervision of qualified professionals from both the LIS institution and the cooperating Library and Information Center.

A minimum of 158 academic units is required for graduation for the BLIS degree.

4.b. Career opportunities in LibrarianshipA library and Information Science graduate has a great

opportunity to be employed as:Director of LibrariesChief/Head LibrarianAbstractorArchivistAcquisitions LibrarianBibliographerCatalogerCollege or University LibrarianCommunity Outreach LibrarianCorporate LibrarianBookmobile LibrarianDocumentalistIndexerInformation ScientistInformation SpecialistLaw LibrarianLibrary Science Faculty/EducatorLibrary TechnicianMedia or Audio Visual SpecialistMedical LibrarianPublic LibrarianResearcherSchool LibrarianSpecial LibrarianTeacher Librarian

Section 5. The LIS program provides for the study oftheory, principles, and practices necessary for theprovision of quality and professional library andinformation services. Within that context, competencestandards would be measured in terms of the followingcore competencies:

1. Professional competencies which relate to the student’s knowledge of information sources, access, technology and management, and the ability to use this knowledge as a basis for providing the highest quality information services.

2. Personal competencies which represent a set of attitudes, skills and values that will enable students to

work effectively and contribute positively o their future organizations, clients and profession.

Section 6. Curriculum DescriptionThe LIS curriculum is designed to equip the professional withthe composite knowledge, skills and tools to enabled him/her to be responsive to the changing information needs of society.Among its salient features are:

1. Provision for the mastery of the basic subjects such as Library and Information Organization and Management, including Laws and Related Practices and Trends, Information Technology, Selection and Acquisition of Library Materials, Cataloging and Classification, Reference, Bibliography and User Services, and Indexing and Abstracting, as called for in the library and information professional licensure examination: 2. Addition of subjects in vital information and communication technologies crucial in the LIS program, like telecommuni- cations, networking, and database design;

3. Enriched specialization component such as law, health and medical, academic, special, school and public librarianship;

4. Provision for community exposure through field-based experiences through its library practicum subjects; and

5. Total immersion in library and information science practice towards the end of the LIS program.

Section 7. Course OutlineSummary of the LIS curriculum (see transparencies)

IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES

1. The implementation of the LIS curriculum shall start on the SY 2004-2005 and shall be gradually effected as follows:

2004-2005 For incoming freshmen2005-2006 For incoming freshmen and

sophomores2006-2007 For incoming freshmen,

sophomores and seniors2007-2008 All year levels

2. Institutions with government permit or recognition to offer the BSE programs will use the same authority to offer this program without the need for new application. 3. Team teaching is encouraged for teaching any course which calls for special expertise.

4. Practicum in the professional courses should be done by the LIS institutions in cooperation with Library and Information centers within and outside the campus.5. Library Practicum should be offered during the Fourth Year. The student’s performance will be evaluated using the following criteria: a. Performance in the assigned tasks, e.g. cataloging, indexing, management, information service, acquisitions work, etc. 60% b. Preparation and submission of a journal or narrative report of the experiences and insights gained in the practicum. 30% c. Other requirements, e.g. test, attendance, etc. 10%

TOTAL 100%

6. A thesis project or thesis track is required to develop the skills of LIS students in conducting future research studies on library and information service. Topics of the thesis project will cover existing problems, issues and concerns about Philippine librarianship and other related fields.