Question & AnswerQ&A (DECS ORDER NO. 6)
The main function of a school library is to make instructional materials available and accessible to teachers and learners to develop positive reading and study habits and the ability to use these materials efficiently and effectively as tools of learning.
Yes, each elementary and secondary school must have a functional library. Schools without libraries are required to establish them, and schools with libraries must improve them.
The five components are (1) physical facilities, (2) librarian, (3) materials/collection, (4) library programs and services, and (5) budget funds.
For elementary level, a teacher-librarian must have a BSEEd or BEED major or minor in Library Science or with at least 15 units in Library Science, one year experience, and a license. For secondary level, the requirement is BSE major or minor in Library Science or with at least 15 units in Library Science, one year experience, and a license.
For enrolment 500 or less, one teacher-librarian is required; for 501 to 1,000, one full-time and one part-time teacher-librarian; for 1,001 to 2,000, one full-time librarian and one part-time teacher-librarian; and for 2,001 and above, an additional full-time librarian for every 1,000 additional enrollees.
Library funds should constitute 5-10% of the school funds, proportionately released by the Division Office.
The DECS Instructional Materials Council (IMC) is responsible for the approval of all instructional materials used in public schools, including evaluating content and final decision on approval.
Supplementary materials are materials other than textbooks and teacher's manuals that aid in teaching and/or learning of concepts and skills for reinforcement, enrichment, and mastery. They include print materials like reference books as well as non-print materials such as video tapes and multimedia learning packages.
Librarian duties include classifying and cataloguing materials, recording collections and acquisitions, prioritizing library budgeting, maintaining an updated inventory, preparing library activity schedules, conducting orientations, assisting users, maintaining statistical records, and attending professional growth trainings.
DECS approved textbooks and teacher's manuals shall be given priority, followed by basic supplementary materials. Other supplementary materials can only be procured after ensuring adequate basic materials are provided to all schools.
The library room area should be approximately 72 square meters with additional 1.2 square meters per place for 8% of enrolment exceeding 500.
Teacher-librarians at the elementary level are entitled to a salary grade one level higher than other faculty members.
Monitoring is conducted regularly by the DECS central office, regional offices, and/or school heads.