professionalizing librarianship as mandated in r.a. no. 9246

Professionalizing Librarianship As Mandated

in R.A. No. 9246

Corazon M. NeraCorazon M. Nera

Director of Libraries, Lyceum of the Philippines UniversityChairman, Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians

Introduction

• February 19, 2004 - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed into law R.A. No. 9246 an Act Modernizing The Practice of Librarianship in the Philippines thereby repealing R.A. No. 6966, Entitled: An Act Regulating the Practice of Librarianship and Prescribing the

Qualifications of Librarians,” Appropriating Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes.

• The New law, otherwise known as “The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003” was touted to re-engineer and re-tool the librarian profession making it competitive and abreast with technology and responsive to the ever changing demands of information users.

Statement of Policy

• The state recognizes the essential role of librarianship as a profession in developing the intellectual capacity of the citizenry.

• Thus making library service a regular component for national development.

• It shall, thru honest, effective and credible licensure examination and regulatory measures

• Undertake programs and activities that would promote and nurture the professional growth and well being of practitioners.

Statement of Policy cont..

• Who are competent, virtuous, productive and well rounded librarians

• Whose standards of practice and service shall be characterized by excellence, quality and geared towards world-class global competitiveness

Salient Points of RA No. 9246

a) National examination for licensure that is honest, effective and credible

b) Strict supervision, control and regulation of practice of librarianship

c) Integration of librarians under one national organization

d) Continuous development of professional competence of librarians

RA 9246 – Not A Perfect Law

Options: Amend, Repeal or Supplement September 16, 2010 – PGLL Forum : Working For Better

Benefits : Proposed Magna Carta For Library Workers

Professional Librarians – Recommendations1. Recruitment, Selection and Appointment’s based on

qualification standards (Policing ranks)2. Performance evaluation as basis for promotion and

salary adjustment 3. Government librarians to comply w/ RA 7743 – Salary

Standardization

RA 9246 – Not A Perfect Law 4. Creation of plantilla positions for librarians in SCUs,

LUCs, public and school librarians5. Code of conduct6. Property accountability 7. Hazard pay especially Archives, Photocopying,

Preservation 8. Compensation, Benefits, and Privileges 9. Private Colleges and Universities – Entry Pay for

Librarians not less than P15,000/mo.

The Practice of Librarianship

Librarian Defined - a librarian is a “bona fide holder of a certificate of registration and professional identification card issued by the Professional Regulation Commission in accordance with the Philippine Librarianship Act.

Statistics of registered librarians

• 6,177 are licensed librarians but only 5,969 are registered and listed in the Roster of Librarians

• 4,230 were licensed through examination

• 1,947 were recognized through exemption

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1. Selection and acquisition of multi-media sources of information

2. Cataloguing and classification of knowledge or sources of information

3. Development of computer-assisted/computer-backed information systems

4. Establishment of library system and procedures for dissemination of information

Scope of Practice


Scope of Practice

5. Teaching, mentoring, lecturing and reviewing of library, archives and information science subjects

6. Rendering of services involving technical knowledge/expertise in abstracting, indexing, cataloguing and classifying

7. Preparation, evaluation or appraisal of plans, programs, and/or projects for the establishment, organization, development and growth of libraries or information centers


Scope of Practice

8. Provision of professional and consultancy services or advice on any aspect of librarianship

9. Organization, conservation, preservation and restoration of historical and cultural documents and other intellectual properties

10. Managing or directing the overall operations of the library/information center

11. Rendering accreditation service to a library


March 4, 2010 – March 15, 2012

April 5, 2010 – Oath of Office

Chairman – Corazon M. Nera

Members – Hon. Mila M. Ramos

(Former Chief Librarian, International Rice Research Institute)

– Hon. Arabella M. Ananoria

Director of Libraries, University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos

Creation of Professional Regulatory Board for Librarians


Hon. Nicolas P. Lapeña, Jr.Chairman

Hon. Alfredo PoCommissioner

Hon. Antonio S. Adriano Commissioner

Professional Regulation Commission


• To look into the conditions affecting the practice of librarianship, and when necessary, adopt such measures as may be deemed proper for the enhancement and maintenance of high ethical, moral and professional standards of librarianship

• To adopt policies and set the standards for all types of libraries, librarians and practice of librarianship

BFL Res. no. 03 Series of 2007 “Prescription and Adoption of Policies and Standards for All Types

of Libraries in the Philippines” as basis for evaluating the practice of librarianship in academic,

school, special and public libraries.

Updates on Powers, Functions and Duties of the Board for Librarians



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

Released in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education CMO No.8 Series of 2004 on the “Policies and Standards of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science.”


In response to the CHED Roadmap and Curricular Reforms

LIS education and training relevant to the needs of the time

(Generation M : Mobile, Media, Multitask, Multisensory)

Focus:

Communication skillsComputer literacy Technical writing


In cooperation with the CHED Technical Committee on Library and Information Science Program, the Board for Librarians revised CMO No.8 Series of 2004 as the “2010 Policies and Standards of the Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Program.”



Program Description and General Objectives

- General education – communication arts, humanities, social sciences, science and technology, natural and behavioral sciences, computer literacy, mathematics, logic and ethics.

- Professional studies 1. Philosophical foundations and aims of LIS 2. Direct, meaningful and substantial participation in LIS

operations and services as well as hands on experiences

3. Review component to ensure the passing of graduates in LLE.

- A minimum of 179 academic units is required for BLIS for graduation



Competency Standards1. Professional – relate to knowledge of LIS resources, access, organization, management for providing the highest quality information services.2. Personal – a set of attitudes, skills and values that enables a graduate to work efficiently and effectively and contribute positively to their future work places.

Curriculum Description 1. Mastery of core courses (Subjects in LLE)2. Addition of ICT application courses3. Varied LIS electives 4. Community exposure5. Integration of LIS course review



Curriculum Outline

1. General Education 83 units 2. Professional Courses 84 units

2.1 Core Courses 42 units2.2 ICT Courses 15 units 2.3 LIS Elective 15 units2.4 Non LIS Elective 12 units

3. Integrated Course Review 6 units 4. Library Practice 6 units

179 units


In cooperation with the CHED Technical Committee on Library and Information Science Program, the Board for Librarians formulated the “2010 Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSG) of the Graduate Programs of Library and Information Science (MLIS).”


Types of Thrust

Graduate Programs in LIS

1. NON BLIS – Additional Field Work 2. Non Thesis MLIS (teaching and delivery of

LIS Services)3. Non Thesis – special project/portfolio type

e.g. qualities and skills in teaching, training leadership, service experience and creation, authorship

4. Thesis5. Doctoral Program


Types of Thrust

Program Specification 1. Non Thesis MLIS 48 credit units 2. Thesis MLIS 42 credit units 3. Doctoral (Ph d) 60 credit units

Curriculum Outline Masters

1. Core/Foundation Courses 92. Major Courses 153. Cognates/Electives 124. Thesis 65. Integrating Courses (Project) 6 Non Thesis


Types of Thrust

Curriculum Outline

Doctorate

1. Core/Foundation Courses 18

2. Major Courses 21-24

3. Cognates/Elective 6-9

4. Dissertation 12

60 units


(h) To adopt and prescribe a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards for Librarians

Code of Ethics BFL adopted the Code of Ethics for Filipino Librarians on September 13, 2006

Technical Standards for Librarians BFL will be adopting Joseph Yap’s Checklist Library 2.0 matrix for medical and health librarians in the Philippines.

Categories of Competencies in four (4) levels. - Novice level - Experienced level - Highly experienced level - Expert level



Skills and Competencies

1. Understands and Articulates Library 2.0 tools and Their Roles.

2. Creates Content.3. Evaluates Information.4. Applies Information Ethically and Legally.5. Searches and Navigates.6. Interacts. 7. Promotes.8. Provides Services. 9. Flexible.10. Implements.


Competency Novice level


To be able to describe any of the following tools (at least three) in their own understanding by expressing it on their own language as matched or referred to the ff. standards definition provided :

• Blogs/Weblogs – interactive websites that consist of regular diary-like entries.




2. Wiki – a page or collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to modify content using a simplified markup language.

3. Slide shares, video shares, photo shares – appropriate community tools to share images, atlases, educational video clips in libraries.




4. Social networking service – focuses on building online communities who share interests and/or activities

5. RSS : Really Simple Syndication - gives the possibility of being informed about new items added to the interested sites.

6. Podcasts – a series of audio or video digital media which is distributed over the Internet.




7. Folksonomy : Social cataloguing – is also known as collaborative tagging, social classification, social indexing, and social tagging.

8. Web search tools/engines – is designed to search for information in the World Wide Web.

9. Database – an integrated collection of logically-related records or files that provides data for users.



2. Creates Contents. Has theoretical knowledge and/or have been trained through a seminar/workshop/training to create any tools but has not yet implemented anything. e.g. posting and commenting on a blog and member of any social network site.

3. Evaluates Information. Knows any basic guidelines on evaluating using formats MLA, APA, AMA on the guidelines: sponsorship, currency, factual information and target audience.



4. Applies Information Ethically and Legally.

Conforms to the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines (RA 8293) and aware of the Code of Ethics for Filipino Librarians designed by PRC signed September 13, 2006.

Respect the practice of academic honesty & intellectual property rights.



5. Searches and Navigates. Exploring the search fields of every sites and performs appropriate search technique. e.g. Web 2.0, wiki, search engines or blog.

6. Interacts. Knows how to communicate using email and email clients, chat accounts (YM, GTalk, Skype), text messaging, post messages on message board of social networks and sending private messages to friends and posting shout-out and status messages.



7. Teaches. Promotes the importance of social media to clients by using these tools personally and applying them in the workplace to attract patrons about the library services. e.g. promoting content, survey.

8. Provides Services. Uses particular social network site/social media or any Web 2.0 tool in promoting the services or activities of a library.

The librarian should also show how to tag, favorited or commented on a post.



9. Flexible. Remembers a few competencies listed in this matrix (1-3) and at least apply the novice level.

10. Implements. Has the political will to implement all of the above.



• To adopt and prescribe a Code of Ethics and a Code of Technical Standards for Librarians

Adapted the PAARL’s Core Collection for Filipiniana as the model for collection development and IFLA’s International Cataloguing Code, 2009.



• To hear and decide administrative cases involving violations of R.A. 9246, the IRR of “The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003” or Code of Ethics including provisions of the Code of Good Governance for the Profession in the Philippines



• To prescribe guidelines in the Continuing Professional Education (CPE) in coordination with the accredited and integrated association for professional librarians

Published CPE Manual 2010 CPE is still voluntary BFL 2nd to implementation BFL 1st to implementation under voluntary As of December 31, 2009

34 accredited programs (3-20 units) 23 accredited providers (library associations,

foundations, alumni associations, universities, institutions, societies, consortiums, private and commercial institutions)


Continuing Professional Education

- refers to the inculcation, assimilation and acquisition of knowledge, skills, proficiency, and ethical and moral values, after the initial registration of a professional, that raise and enhance the professional’s technical skills and competence.


BFL Encourages CPE

1. To provide and ensure the continuous education of a registered professional with the latest trends in the profession brought about by modernization, scientific and technological advancement;

2. To raise and maintain the professional’s capability for delivering professional services;

3. To attain and maintain the highest standards and quality in the practice of his/her profession;


4. To comply with the professional’s continuing ethical standard requirements;

5. To make the professional globally competitive;

6. To promote the general welfare of the public

BFL Encourages CPE


Rationale

Compliance with the CPE program is deemed a moral obligation of each professional within the context of the concerned profession’s code of ethics and is considered a necessary, effective and credible means of ensuring competence, integrity and global competitiveness.



• To prepare, adopt, issue or amend the syllabi or terms of specification of subjects for the librarian licensure examination consistent with the policies and standards set by the CHED

Passed Resolution No. 7 Series of 2006 on the “Prescription and Adoption of the Syllabi on the Terms of Specifications for the Subjects in the

Licensure Examination for Librarians.”



• To act as a licensure examination body with powers which are not limited to the following:

1. To determine and prepare the questions for the licensure examinations which shall strictly be within the scope of the syllabus or table of specifications of the subjects for examination.2. To score and rate the examination papers with the name and signature of the Board member concerned appearing thereon and submit the results in all subjects duly signed by the members of the Board to the Commission within ten (10) days for the last day of the examination unless extended by the Commission for justifiable cause/s.

Conducted an “Annual honest, effective and credible Licensure Examination for Librarians” since 2004.



• To conduct ocular inspections in schools, colleges or universities, in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)

In coordination with CHED, the Board for Librarians “Visited schools offering library and information science education to ensure their compliance with prescribed CHED standards of curriculum, faculty and facilities and to coach schools with low performance in the licensure examination for librarians and consequently will improve their passing rate in the board examination.”



Commitment – Oath

1. Diligently and extensively undertake research and study necessary for the revision and updating of the Librarian curriculum to produce world class Filipino professionals.

2. Ensure continuous consultations with accredited professional organization and to all organization affecting the profession.

3. Encourage every member of the librarian profession to make positive contribution for the promotion and advancement of the thrust and priorities of the

librarian profession.


November 10 and 11, 2010

Test Centers : Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, Legaspi, Zamboanga

Date of Release : November 15, 2010 (Nov.12, Friday, Scanning/Reading)

(Nov. 13-14 (Weekends)

Deadline of Application : October 22 (20 working days before examination)

Licensure of Examination and Registration


Graduates of Bachelor of Library and Information Science

Graduates of Master in Library and Information Science

Repeaters, Retakers of Previous Years’ Examinations

Who are qualified to take the LLE?


Scope of Examination and Percentage Weights

Subjects % Weights in the Exam

1. Selection and acquisition of multimedia sources of information.

15%

2. Cataloging and classification 20%

3. Indexing and abstracting 15%

4. Reference, bibliography and information services

20%

5. Organization, management and development of library and information services including laws, trends and practices affecting the profession

20%

6. Information technology 10%

100%

Subjects Performed Well (Not Difficult and Mastered Well)

1. Library Organization and Management (40.64% passing)

2. Reference, Bibliography and User Services (37.72%)

3. Information Technology (37.19%)

Ratings : Passed 50% of the questions per subject

Research on the Performance in Professional Board Examination for Librarians (2004-2008)

Research on the Performance in Professional Board Examination for Librarians (2004-2008)

Subjects Performed Poorly (Very Difficult and Not Mastered)

1. Cataloging and Classification (30.18%)

2. Indexing and Abstracting (32.34%)

3. Selection and Acquisition of Multimedia Resources (35.6%)

Findings : BLIS / MLIS graduates have more chances to pass than those with LS specialization with 18 units and above.

Passers are issued Certification and Professional Identification Card by PRC upon the recommendation of BFL and be included in the Roster of Philippine Librarians. The list has been published and updated to date.

Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card

or Cancellation

Section 23. Revocation and Suspension of Certificate of Registration and Professional Identification Card or Cancellation of Temporary/Special Permit. – The Board has the power, after due notice and hearing, to revoke or suspend the Certificate of Registration or cancel a temporary or special permit of any librarian on any ground stated under Section 22 of R.A. 9246 or for any of the following :


or Cancellation

1. unprofessional or dishonorable conduct

2. malpractice

3. incompetence

4. serious ignorance or negligence in the practice of librarianship

5. fraud

6. deceit or falsification in obtaining a certificate of registration, professional identification card, or temporary/special permit.


or Cancellation

7. abetment of illegal practice by allowing illegal use of his/her certificate of registration, or professional identification card, or temporary/special permit.

8. practice of profession during the period of suspension

9. any violation of R.A. 9246, its Implementing Rules and Regulations, the Code of Ethics or the Code of Technical Standards for Librarians, or Board policies.

Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians

Section 30. Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians. – All registered librarians shall be integrated under one organization recognized and accredited by the Board and approved by the Commission pursuant to PRC Resolution No. 2004-178, Series of 2004.

Integrated and Accredited National Organization of Librarians

A librarian duly registered and licensed by the Board and the Commission shall automatically become a member of the integrated and accredited professional organization, and shall receive the benefits and privileges appurtenant thereto upon payment of the required fees and dues.

Penalty for illegal practice of librarianship

• A fine of not less than P30,000.00 nor more than P100,000.00, or imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than three years if found :

1. Practicing without certificate of registration

2. Presents or uses other certificate

3. Gives any false or forged evidence

4. Uses a revoked or suspended certificate

5. Assumes as registered without having been conferred such title

6. Advertises title description to convey the impression as registered librarian

Gains of the Filipino professional librarian

A. On the side of the state, society, clients and agencies

1. The state has recognized librarianship as a

profession and its role to nation building

2. A professional librarian is required for schools to

operate, recognition of a program offering by

DECS or CHED, or TESDA.

Gains of the Filipino Librarians (Cont.)

3. A professional librarian is required for accreditation of program, for schools, colleges and universities

4. The professional librarian’s standing in the academe,

corporate and public service was upgraded

5. The salary of professional librarian is very

competitive

6. The professional librarian has more opportunities to

move upward


B. On the part of the professional librarian

1. Became confident in discharging duties with professionalism, integrity and competence

2. Became efficient in terms of volume of work, meeting deadlines and personal relations with superiors, peers, colleagues and clients

3. Work attitudes and self esteem positively changed and became proactive

4. Opportunities for continuing education and exposure increased

5. Librarianship a prestigious calling


C. Edge with other Profession

1. Librarians are treated with respect by other colleagues

2. Librarians do not feel inferior to other professionals

3. Librarians perform an equally important, yet distinct service to society

4. Librarians feel equal with other professionals

5. The Filipino professional librarian is empowered

Thank You

professionalizing librarianship as mandated in r.a. no. 9246

Documents

licensed librarians

rounded librarians

qualifications of librarians

roster of librarians

philippine librarianship

professional growth

regulation of practice

standards of practice