Objectives of the Act
- National licensure examination and registration of librarians.
- Regulation and supervision of librarianship practice.
- Integration of librarians under one national organization.
- Enhancement of librarians' professional competence.
Key Definitions
- "Librarian": Individual with valid Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card issued by the Board and Commission.
- "Commission": Refers to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).
- "Board": The Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians.
Scope of Librarianship Practice
- Selection and acquisition of multimedia information sources.
- Cataloguing, classification, and creation of local databases.
- Development of computer-assisted information systems.
- Establishment of library systems and dissemination of information.
- Reference and research assistance, archiving, and user education.
- Teaching and reviewing library science subjects.
- Technical services including indexing, abstracting, and bibliographic preparations.
- Planning and evaluation for library development and infrastructure.
- Provision of consultancy and preservation of historical intellectual properties.
Creation and Composition of the Board
- Board created under PRC supervision consisting of a Chairperson and two members.
- Members appointed by the President from nominees submitted by the accredited librarians’ organization.
- Board established within 3 months from Act's effectivity.
Qualifications for Board Members
- Natural-born Philippine citizen and resident.
- Good moral character.
- Practicing librarian with 10 years experience including 5 years in managerial roles.
- Not faculty or financially interested in librarian education institutions.
- Not an incumbent officer of the accredited national librarians’ organization.
Powers, Functions, and Duties of the Board
- Promulgate rules and administer the Act including examination and registration.
- Issue, suspend, or revoke certificates and permits.
- Uphold ethical and professional standards.
- Set library standards and ensure compliance with education requirements in coordination with CHED.
- Adopt Code of Ethics and Technical Standards.
- Hear administrative violation cases.
- Establish Continuing Professional Education guidelines.
- Revise licensure examination syllabi.
- Subject to PRC review and approval.
Term, Compensation, and Removal of Board Members
- Members serve three-year terms; first Board's terms staggered.
- Members may be reappointed but total service not to exceed six years.
- Compensation aligned with other PRC regulatory boards.
- Removal or suspension by the President on Commission recommendation for grounds such as misconduct or examination irregularities.
Executive Officer and Secretariat
- PRC Chairperson acts as Executive Officer and oversees examinations.
- Secretary designated by the Commission keeps Board records and supports operations.
Annual Reporting
- The Board must submit annual reports on its accomplishments and professional issues to the Commission.
Licensure Examination and Requirements
- Licensure examination required for registration, except for specific exemptions.
- Qualifications include good health, moral character, and relevant educational degrees with transitional provisions for certain graduates.
- Examination covers multimedia selection, cataloguing, indexing, reference services, library management, laws, and IT.
- Passing requires a 75% general average with no score below 50%.
- Results reported to the Commission within 10 days.
Registration Without Examination
- Provision for registration without exam for librarians meeting experience and education criteria under former law with a 3-year application window.
Issuance of Certificate and ID Card
- Certificates issued upon passing or registration without exam.
- Certificates and cards bear signatures and official seals.
- Valid until suspended or revoked.
Oath of Profession
- Mandatory oath-taking for all registered librarians before practice.
Grounds for Refusal of Registration
- Criminal convictions involving moral turpitude.
- Immoral or dishonorable conduct.
- Unsoundness of mind.
Revocation and Suspension
- Grounds include unprofessional conduct, malpractice, fraud in registration, illegal practice, and violations of the Act or codes.
- Decisions are appealable to the Commission within 15 days.
Reissuance and Replacement of Certificates
- Certificates revoked may be reapplied for after two years.
- Lost or damaged certificates can be reissued upon payment.
Maintenance of Roster
- The Board maintains an up-to-date roster of licensed librarians including registries under previous law.
- Copies provided to National Library, Civil Service Commission, and accredited organization.
Illegal Practice
- Practicing without valid certificate or permit is prohibited.
Identification Requirements
- Certificate, ID card, and professional tax receipt numbers must appear on professional documents.
Foreign Reciprocity
- Foreign librarians may take the examination and be registered if their country allows reciprocal practice to Filipino librarians.
Automatic Registration
- All practicing librarians at the Act's effectivity are automatically registered.
Integrated National Organization
- Formation of a single accredited national organization of librarians.
- Licensed librarians become members upon paying dues.
- Membership in other librarian groups is not prohibited.
Employment in Government Libraries
- Only licensed librarians may be employed in government libraries with a 3-year transition period for local government units.
Penalties
- Unregistered practice or violation of the Act carries fines from ₱30,000 to ₱100,000 or imprisonment from 1 to 3 years.
Funding
- PRC Chairperson to include implementation funding in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Transitory Provisions
- Previous Board continues functioning until new Board constitution.
Rulemaking and Ethics Codes
- Board to promulgate implementing rules, Code of Ethics, and Technical Standards after PRC approval.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect remaining parts of the Act.
Repeal
- RA 6966 and inconsistent laws are repealed.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a national newspaper of general circulation.