Learning Objectives:

1. Explain the importance of public libraries in the community.

2. Define and explain the different categories of public library.

3. Understand the purpose of the public library in different aspects.

5. Explain the Services that the Public Library offers.

4. Identify and understand the governance of the Philippine Public Libraries.

6. Give the list of public libraries in Bicol region

7. Understand the financial framework of the public library

Topic:

• Governance of Public Libraries

• Provincial

• Municipal

• City

• Barangay

Lesson outline:

1. Introduction

2. Lesson Proper

3. Evaluation

4. References

•The public library, is the local gateway to knowledge, provides a basic

condition for lifelong learning, independent decision- making and

cultural development of the individual and social groups. (UNESCO

Public Library Manifesto).

•A public library is established and maintained by the barangay,

municipality, city, province, or congressional district as the case may be

and serves or caters primarily to their respective constituents. This

chapter is a general statement on the role and purpose of the public

library.

Public Library

It provides services to people who live¸ work or

educated in the same area with the aim of serving the

information needs to all members of the community.

Objectives:

Recreational- reading¸ listening¸ viewing.

Informational- helping people in their day to day living.

Vocational- source of information for vocational and continuing

education.

Educational- a source of material for peoples life-long learning.

Advisory- information about community¸ local¸ regional¸ state and

commonwealth activities.

Referral- suggesting the best source of information if the library cannot

supply it.

Municipal or local- established by local government and

maintained and funded by the local government.

Regional- are established by agreement among the different

local government in the region.

Joint- use libraries- established by different groups of users

usually involving public and private schools.

Purpose of a Public Library

o To provide resources and services in a

variety of media to meet the needs of

individuals and groups for education,

information and personal

development including recreation and

leisure. They have an important role

in the development and maintenance

of a democratic society by giving the

individual access to a wide and varied

range of knowledge, ideas and

opinions.

EDUCATIONo Supporting both individual and self conducted

education as well as formal education at all levels.

INFORMATION

o The public library is the local center of information making all kinds

of knowledge and information readily available to its users.

o As a public service open to all, the public library has a key role in

collecting, organizing and exploiting information, as well as

providing access to a wide range of information sources.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Providing opportunities for personal creative development.’

CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

o Creating and strengthening reading habits in

children from an early age.

PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

o An important role of the public library is providing a focus for

cultural and artistic development in the community and

helping to shape and support the cultural identity of the

community.

o The library’s contribution should reflect the variety of cultures

represented in the community. It should provide materials in

the languages spoken and read in the local community, and

support cultural traditions.

o The public library has an important role as a public

space and meeting place. It is sometimes called ‘the

drawing room of the community’.

THE SOCIAL ROLE OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

AN AGENCY FOR CHANGE

o Public library is acting as an agency for social and

personal development and can be a positive agency for

change in the community.

o It contributes to the creation and maintenance of a

well–informed and democratic society and helps to

empower people in the enrichment and development of

their lives and that of the community in which they live.

ACCESS FOR ALL

o A fundamental principle of the public library is that

its services must be available to all and not directed

to one group in the community to the exclusion of

others.

LOCAL NEEDS

o Public libraries are locally based services for the

benefit of the local community and should provide

community information services.

o The services and collections they provide should be

based on local needs, which should be assessed

regularly.

o The public library should be a key agency in the

local community for the collection, preservation and

promotion of local culture in all its diversity.

LOCAL CULTURE

RESOURCES

o Public library must have adequate resources, not just

when it is established but also on a continuing basis, to

enable it to sustain and develop services that meet the

needs of the local community.

o It should provide materials in all formats, up-dated

regularly to meet the changing needs of groups and

individuals, including newly-published and

replacement materials.

o It should also provide adequate levels of staff with

appropriate training and sufficient funds to support

whatever methods of service delivery are needed for it

to meet its vital role in the community.

THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL LIBRARY

o The NLP allocate every year, books and other forms of

library materials to functional public libraries. To be

entitled with the allocation, the LGU has to signify

through the official communication its intention to

register of affiliate its public library with the NLP.

TECHNICAL SUPERVISION

o Aside from allocating books to affiliated libraries the

NLP through the public libraries division conducts

training to newly appointed or designated librarians and

also organize seminars¸ workshops¸ conferences to

update public librarians on the trends of the profession.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPERVISION

o Public libraries are administratively under their respective LGUs

even before the enactment of the Local Government Code or RA

7160.

o The Sanggunian Panlalawigan¸ Panglunsod or Bayan¸ as the case

may be while many of the provincial and city librarians are licensed

professional librarians although their staff may be designated on

contractual basis by their local government officials.

o Of the more than thousand public libraries in the country¸ only

about 50% of them are functional libraries.

o Monitoring of these libraries is done by the Public Libraries

Division through a requirement of submitting monthly report

activities and accomplishments. Also expected of them by the NLP

are: Annual Inventory Report of collections and annual report of

activities

PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LEGISLATION

o Public libraries should be based on legislation,

which assures their continuance and their

place in the government structure.

o It can be simple, allowing the establishment of

public libraries but leaving standards of

service to the level of government directly

responsible for the library, or more complex,

with specific detail on what services should be

provided and to what standard.

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF

CONGRESSIONAL, CITY AND MUNICIPAL LIBRARIES

AND BARANGAY READING CENTERS THROUGHOUT

THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING THE NECESSARY

FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Pursuant to Sections 2, 5 and 9 of R.A. 7743. An Act

providing for the Establishment of Congressional,

City, Municipal Libraries and Barangay Reading

Centers throughout the Philippines, and with the view

of implementing effectively the provisions of said Act,

the following rules and regulations are hereby

adopted.

ARTICLE I: Definition of

Terms

ARTICLE II: Establishment of Public Libraries and Reading

Centers

ARTICLE III: Library Staff

ARTICLE IV: Role and Responsibilities of the National

Library

ARTICLE V: Role and Responsibilities of Local Government

Units

ARTICLE VI: Role and Responsibilities of the Department of Interior and Local

Government (DILG)

ARTICLE VII: Role and Responsibilities of the Philippine Information

Agency (PIA)

ARTICLE VIII: Appropriation

ARTICLE IX: Memorandum of Agreement

ARTICLE X: Library Board and Friends of the

Library

ARTICLE XI: Inter-Agency Committee

ARTICLE XII: Effectivity

FUNDING

oAdequate levels of funding are

crucial to the success of a public

library in fulfilling its roles.

o Funding is required not only when

a public library is established, but

should also be sustained on an

assured and regular basis.

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Primary Sources

Secondary Sources

Taxation at local¸ regional¸ or

central level

Blok grants from central¸

regional or local level.

Donations from funding bodies or

private individuals

Revenue from commercial activities¸

Revenue from user’s fees.

Revenue from charges to users for

individual series¸

Sponsorship from eternal organization

Lottery funds for specific initiatives

GOVERNANCE OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

o Public libraries should be governed by a properly established

body made up largely of representatives of the local community

including those elected either to the local council or to the library

board.

o Library committees and boards should have rules of procedure

and their preceding should be open to the general public. They

should meet on a regular basis and publish agenda¸ minutes¸

annual reports and financial statement.

o The governing body will be responsible for matters of policy rather

than the day-to-day operation of the library. In all cases the chief

librarian should have direct access to the meetings of the

governing body of the library and work loosely with it.

GOVERNANCE OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

Policy documents should be made available to the public

and¸ where possible¸ steps should be taken to involve

local citizens in the development of the public library.

Public librarians must be fully accountable both their

governing bodies and local citizens for their actions by

providing reports¸ holding public meetings and through

consultation. They must also maintain the highest

professional standards in carrying out their duties and in

advising the governing body.

ADMINISTRATION OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

The administration of a public library

should be directed towards improving the quality

of series to the users and not as an end in itself. It

should be efficient and accountable.

Ten Principles guiding effective Library

Governance

1. Build a solid governance framework that

includes bylaws and policy and an achievable plan

that is based on why you exist: your mission.

2. When you’ve build it make sure it works and

keep in shape.

3. Know who you are there to represent and how to

connect with them.

4. Make good decision on their behalf.

5. Know that it is that you need to achieve.

6. Access what you have accomplished and

report progress regularly.

7. Know what information you need and where and

how to get in order to manage risk.

8. Know who you need on the board and who you

need to run the library.

9. Know where and how to get resources you need.

10. Remember, you are not there to manage- you are

there to govern.

Important elements in delivering an effective public

library service:People at all ages and at all stages

of life:

—children

—young adults

—adults.

Institutions within the wider community

network:

—educational, cultural and voluntary organizations

and groups in the community

— the business community

— the governing body of the parent organization

1. Identifying potential users

Individuals and groups of people with special

needs:

— people from different cultures and

ethnic groups including indigenous

people

—people with disabilities

—housebound people

— institutionally confined people

2. Analyzing users’ needs

3. Developing services to groups and individuals

a. Service provision

loan of books and other media

provision of books and other materials for use in

the library

information services using print and electronic

media readers’ advisory services including reservation

servicescommunity information services

user education including support for literacy

programmes

programming and events

Public libraries have a special responsibility to

support the process of learning to read, and to

promote books and other media for children.

Provide special events for children, such as

storytelling and activities related to the library’s

services and resources.

public libraries provide an opportunity for

children to experience the enjoyment of reading

and the excitement of discovering knowledge

and works of the imagination.

b. Services to children

c. Services for young adults

d. Services for adults

olifelong learning

oleisure time interests

oinformation needs

ocommunity & cultural activities

orecreational reading

4. Introducing customer care policies

Elements in a Costumer care Policy

o the image projected by all libraries must be

neutral and objective.

o staff should be courteous, friendly,

respectful and helpful at all times there

should be a regular programme of staff

training in customer care.

o all staff should receive basic awareness

training on how to deal with people with

disabilities or from ethnic minorities.

Elements in a Costumer care Policy

o jargon should be avoided in all forms of

communication, verbal and written.

o staff should have a friendly and informative

telephone manner methods of communication

with the users must be provided, e.g.,

billboards, bulletins, website.

o the design of the library should be as

convenient and inviting as possible.

o opening hours should be convenient for the

users.

o open public access catalogues should be

available on the Internet so that the user can

access services from home and outside

opening hours.

o there should be efficient renewal and reservation services

o equipment should be provided to make library use

convenient

o users should receive a response in the shortest possible

time; letters and other forms of communication should

be answered promptly and courteously

o services should be delivered beyond the library building

when users’ needs require it

o all printed information about services should be

available in appropriate alternative formats

5. Promoting user education

o public library should help its users develop skills that

will enable them to make the most effective use of the

library’s resources and services.

o Library staff must act as information navigators to help

users of all ages to make the most effective use of

information and communications technology, and

programmes of user education should be developed.

6. Co-operating and sharing resources

7. Developing electronic networks

8. Ensuring access to services

• the function of the library

• the size of the library

• designated spaces

• design features

• accessible shelving

• sign-posting

• the ambience of the library

• electronic and audiovisual equipment

• Safety

• Parking

9. Providing library buildings.

1. Library services shall be provided with the highest degree of

efficiency and integrity in keeping in mind that the public library

is a service agency of the government for the people.

2. The library shall reflect the needs of the community which shall

include books, pamphlets, ephemeral materials, non-print

materials, classified and cataloged according to the standards for

easy access and retrieva

3. Open shelves system shall be promoted to give the users free access

to all materials.

4. The library shall maintain local historical and cultural materials

for preservation and conservation.

5. The library shall provide materials for wholesome development of

the community regardless of age, creed, religion and cultural

affiliations

SERVICES AND UTILIZATION

6. The library shall observe library hours for maximum benefit of

the community

7. The library shall initiate the organization of groups or

volunteers to handle fund raising to financially support the library

and handle activities.

8. For library promotion activities, the following services shall be

encouraged:

a. Reference and

research service

b. Circulation and books for

home use

c. Organization and maintenance

of children’s section

e. Reading guidelines for children

and out of school youth

d. Outreach programs and services

especially to depressed areas of

the community

f. Organization of Friends Group to

act as support to the library

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

The collection shall include books, multi-media and other non-

book materials such as those in the state-of-the-art technologies,

maps, periodicals, pamphlets, and other AV materials.

The library shall maintain the local history collection.

The size of the library collection is dependent on the allocation

from the National Library and from the budget finds provided by

the local government unit in the annual appropriations.

A minimum of initial collection of 3000 volumes of books is

deemed appropriate for public libraries in the regions, provinces,

cities and first class municipalities regardless of their population.

For libraries in municipalities lower than the first class, an

initial book collection of 2000 is recommended as starting

collection while for barangay reading centers, 500 volumes

is recommended.

Selection and acquisition of books and other library

materials shall rest on the librarian with the assistance of

their professional staff. Materials for acquisition

recommendations of library clientele shall be considered.

A provision for at least 10% annual increase of the

collection must be provided each of any library categories.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Collections

Public libraries have separate sections for children¸ young

adults and adults or the sections maybe combined. The

holdings include a range of materials in scope¸ readership¸

subject matter and format.

Public libraries collections are influenced by the location of

the library.

Public libraries usually use the DDC to classify their

collections.

Public relations are important to public libraries.

SKILLS OF LIBRARY STAFF

the ability to communicate

positively with people the ability to understand the needs of users

the ability to co-operate

with individuals and groups

in the community

knowledge and understanding of cultural

diversity

knowledge of the material that forms the library’s

collection and how to access it an understanding of and

sympathy with the principles of public service

readiness to change methods of

working to meet new situations

the ability to work with others in

providing an effective library service

organizational skills, with the flexibility to

identify and implement changes

imagination, vision and openness

to new ideas and practice

knowledge of information and

communications technology

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Under an LGU, each

public library is

headed by a chief

librarian with the

grade depending on

the class of the

province, city or

municipality.

The number of staff of

public libraries

depends upon the

positions created by

their respective local

government units.

LIBRARIANS ROLE

Formulates policies and programs in line with the

Literacy Program of the government; establishes

linkages with Non- government and Government

Organization for programs and projects related to

library.

ADINISTRATIVE ROLE

1. Receives/ releases and records incoming/ outgoing

communications.

2. Encodes communications in the system, sorts and files

documents.

3. Prepares and controls office budget.

4. Generates/ updates regular, back pay, special payrolls

and vouchers.

5. Receives, records, controls office supplies and materials

used.

6. Prepares supplemental and amendatory supplies

procurement plan.

7. Monitors the daily attendance of the staff.

8. Computes and submits MRA (Monthly Report of

Attendance)

9. Prepares and submits reports require by Government

Officials/ Offices.

10. Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of the whole

library.

TECHNICAL SERVICES

1. Receives and controls books.

2. Accessions newly acquired books.

3. Catalogs and classifies books.

4. Maintains the Library Automation (On-line Public

Access Catalog).

5. Files card catalog and periodical index.

6. Does mechanical preparation of the library collection.

7. Discards obsolete library materials.

8. Preserves library materials through plastic covering,

repair, bindery, reprinting.

9. Does inventory of library materials.

10. Pull-out index cards of condemned books.

11. Assists in the retrieval of loaned –out and borrowed

books.

READER’S SERVICES1. Directs researchers to appropriate book and other sources

of information.

2. Loans out library materials to clients.

3. Conducts library orientation to clients applying for

borrower’s card.

4. Process library/ borrowers card.

5. Handles library tours and library awareness through

lectures upon request.

6. Entertains queries on the phone.

READER’S SERVICES

1. Does tutoring and storytelling to elementary pupils.

2. Updates clippings and indexes significant articles including

history materials.

3. Organizes information in the vertical files to make it readily

available to the users.

4. Maintains thematic arrangement of books.

5. Gives assistance on the use of the Net, OPAC.

6. Posts monthly exhibits and bulletin boards displays.

7. Post new titles added to the library collection.

ISSUES FACED BY THE PUBLIC LIBRARY

1. Keeping up with technological developments

3. Maintaining free core services

4. Coping with staffing and financial constraints

5. Censorship issues

6. The apathy of the local populations

7. Competitions from the new technologies

8. Rationalization and competitive tendering of service

2. Meeting a wide range of needs and expectations