Law Summary
Organization of the Board for Librarians
- Board creation mandated within 60 days of the Act's effect
- Composed of a Chairman and two members appointed by the President upon PRC recommendation
- Members must be certified librarians representing academic, public, and special libraries
- Initial Board members considered certified upon appointment
Qualifications of Board Members
- Must be Filipino citizen and resident
- Good reputation and moral character
- Holder of baccalaureate degree in Library Science or related fields
- At least 40 years old, registered librarian with 10 years active practice; 5 years in managerial role
- Not a faculty member or financially interested in institutions conferring librarianship degrees
- Not an incumbent officer of the Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.
Functions and Duties of the Board
- Administer and enforce rules and regulations related to the Act
- Administer oaths, adopt official seal, issue/suspend/revoke licenses
- Maintain professional ethics, set standards for libraries and education
- Ensure educational institutions meet curriculum, faculty, and facility standards
- Investigate violations with subpoena powers
- Establish ethical standards effective after publication
- Perform other duties to support librarianship growth
Term, Compensation, and Removal of Board Members
- Terms last three years with staggered initial appointments
- No more than two successive terms without a one-year lapse
- Compensation includes per diems, fees per examined applicant and registrant
- Removal for negligence, misconduct, or irregularities after investigation
Examination and Registration Requirements
- Only certified librarians may practice or hold librarian positions
- Annual written examinations are required except for those exempted under the Act
- Applicants must be Filipino, 20 years old minimum, morally fit, and degree holders in library science or related degrees
- Examination covers general information and professional topics including acquisition, classification, reference services, management, and IT
Examination Procedures and Reporting
- Board has 90 days to report examination results to PRC
- Repeat examinees failing three times must complete refresher courses before re-examination
- Board sets examination rules with PRC approval
Registration Without Examination
- Certain qualified librarians as of Act approval may register without examination within three years:
- Librarians holding bachelor's degrees and supervisory eligibility
- First grade eligibles with experience and course requirements
- Master’s degree holders in Library/Information Science
Issuance, Fees, and Certificate Management
- Certificates include registrant details, signatures, and official seal
- Examination fee: PHP 200; Registration fee: PHP 150
- Board may revoke or suspend licenses for offenses including criminal conviction or professional misconduct
- Certificates can be reissued or replaced upon application and fee payment
Reciprocity and Roster of Librarians
- Foreign librarians admitted only if their country affords reciprocity and comparable standards
- Roster maintained containing certified librarians’ details; copies provided to libraries and government agencies
Penal Provisions
- Penalties of fines (PHP 500 to 2,000), imprisonment (1 to 2 years), or both for:
- Practicing without certification
- Using fraudulent certificates or impersonation
- Employing false evidence
- Violating Act provisions
Appropriations and Implementation
- Initial implementation funded from PRC savings
- Subsequent funding included in General Appropriations Act
Miscellaneous Provisions
- Separability clause ensures invalidity of any part does not affect the remainder
- Repealing clause voids inconsistent laws
- Transitory provision grants six years temporary certificates for incumbent librarians to comply
- Act effective upon approval