QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 6966)
RA 6966 is titled the “Philippine Librarianship Act.” It regulates the practice of librarianship and prescribes the qualifications of librarians, including the creation and functions of the Board for Librarians.
A librarian is a bona fide holder of a certificate of registration issued by the Board for Librarians in accordance with the Act.
It includes holding oneself out as skilled in organizing, disseminating, preserving, and conserving recorded information; rendering professional services (e.g., consultations and advice on libraries/data banks/research centers) on a fee basis or otherwise; teaching library and information sciences subjects; and signing/authenticating documents or reports for clients when called for.
Within 60 days from effectivity, a Board for Librarians is created with a Chairman and two members. The President appoints them upon recommendation of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from among certified librarians of recognized standing, representing academic, public, and special libraries, and who meet the qualifications under Section 4.
Board members must be: (1) Filipino citizen and resident; (2) of good reputation and moral character; (3) holders of a bachelor’s degree in Library Science/Information Science/Documentation; (4) at least 40 years old; (5) registered professionals under the Board for Librarians; and (6) had active practice at least 10 years, with 5 years managerial experience. They must also not be disqualified under the faculty/review classes/pecuniary interest in such institutions, nor be incumbent officers of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.
Among others: promulgate rules/regulations; administer oaths; adopt an official seal; issue/suspend/revoke certificates; maintain standards and ethics; establish policies and standards for libraries and education/practice; ensure compliance of educational institutions; investigate violations and issue subpoenas; set ethical/professional standards effective after publication; and perform other powers/duties necessary for the profession.
Each holds office for 3 years from assumption, regardless of appointment nature. No person may serve two successive terms; reappointment requires a 1-year lapse. Vacancies serve only the unexpired term, and filling an unexpired term is not considered a complete term.
The PRC Commissioner is the Executive Officer and conducts the examinations. The PRC Secretary acts as Secretary of the Board, and keeps records under the PRC’s custody.
Yes. Unless exempt from registration, no person may practice or offer to practice librarianship (or be appointed to positions requiring librarians/documentalists/information specialists) without a certificate of registration from the Board.
Applicant must be: Filipino citizen; at least 20 years old; in good health and of good moral character; and a graduate of a Government-recognized school/university with specified degrees related to Library/Information Science (bachelor’s or master’s variants and certain education majors/specializations).
It has Category A (General Information Test) and Category B (Professional Test). The Professional Test covers: (1) selection/acquisition; (2) cataloguing/classification; (3) indexing/abstracting; (4) reference/bibliography/information services; (5) organization/management of libraries/information centers; (6) information technology; and other subjects the Board may deem necessary.
The candidate is disqualified from taking the fourth examination unless they submit evidence to the Board that they have taken a refresher course from a duly accredited school or its equivalent as determined by the Board.
Penalties include fine of not less than P500 nor more than P2,000 and/or imprisonment of not less than 1 month nor more than 2 years (or both), for acts such as practicing without certification; using another’s certificate; providing false evidence; impersonation; using revoked/suspended certificates; misleading title/advertisement implying being a librarian without a valid certificate; and violating any provision of the Act.
The Board may revoke or suspend after due notice and hearing for causes such as conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, unprofessional/dishonorable conduct, malpractice, incompetence/serious ignorance or negligence in practice; or fraud/deceit/falsification in obtaining the certificate.
All incumbent librarians in public and private sector not otherwise certified by virtue of the Act are given 6 years temporary certificates from board organization time to qualify as required by the Act and be included in the roster of professionals.
The Act takes effect upon its approval.