MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR

PHILIPPINE PUBLIC LIBRARIES

RATIONALE OF THE STANDARDS

• Formulation of public library standards reflects the fresh concept of public library service and organizational goals to stimulate new developments and focus attention in the field.

• Standards are used as guide when implementing goals for development and setting directions for the future.

• The foregoing minimum standards shall serve as guide to people who are tasked to organize, develop and maintain/sustain public libraries and their services.

1. To provide library and information service responsive to the needs of the community.

2. To build within each library an information center about its respective community.

STANDARD 1.GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

3. To develop nationally, a network and linkages among public libraries with The National Library as the center in order to facilitate research and reference needs patrons.

STANDARD 2.

ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT

1. Each public library shall operate under the administrative supervision of the local government unit and under the technical supervision of The National Library.

2. A public library shall be managed by a professionally trained, competent and licensed librarian.

3. The public library as a local government entity shall have, as its immediate superior, the local chief executive or any legally designated local official in accordance with the local official in accordance with The Local Government Code.

STANDARD 3.

STAFF

1. The public library shall be manned by qualified or professionally trained librarians and shall be supported by competent support services staff.

2. Sufficient number of personnel shall be hired to attain quality service.

3. The size of staff in a public library shall depend on the population served and the size of the collection.A. Regional, congressional district, provincial and city libraries shall have at least four professional librarians; three support services staff excluding those holding non-classified positions like utility workers, etc.

Public libraries of first class municipalities shall have at least two professional librarians and adequate support/ non-professional staff as needed and for lower class municipalities including barangay reading centers, there should be at least one full time library staff; and, if fund allows, one clerk and one utility worker.

B. The increase in the number of library staff depends on the increase of population of the community served.

C. Librarians shall be appointed to any of the following position titles depending on their qualifications and educational attainment:

1. Librarian I SG 102. Librarian II SG 143. Librarian III SG 184. Librarian IV SG 225. Librarian V SG 246. Other designated titles

D. Support Services Staffa. Technical staff shall possess a diploma/certificate of at least two-year computer education or its equivalent and with the required civil service eligibility.b. Clerical staff shall have finished special studies in Secretarial Science or its equivalent and with the required civil service eligibility.c. Library aides should have at least finished two years of college education or have had at least two years library work experience.

E. Other Staff A library should have, depending on

its size and availability of funds, the following personnel:

Maintenance personnel library equipment operator for the

photocopying machine; microfilm reader/printer; over head projector;

bindery personnel; and, messengerial/laiason personnel. utility worker

STANDARD 4.

BUDGET

1. The public library shall be provided with adequate and reasonable budgetary appropriations to carry out effectively its plans and programs.

2. The library equipment shall cover the following items:

a. Personal servicesb. Maintenance antother operatingexpensesc. Capital Outlay

3. The library budget shall be adjusted annually to make it relevant with the time.

STANDARD 5.COLLECTION

The collection must reflect the objectives of the library and the needs of the community served.

1. The collection shall include books, multi-media and other non-book materials such as those in the state-of-the-art technologies, periodicals, maps, pamphlets, and other audio visual materials.

2. The library shall maintain the local history collection.

3. The size of the library collection is dependent on the allocation from The National Library and from the budget/funds provide by the local gov’t unit in the annual appropriations.

4. A minimum or initial collection of 3k volumes of books is deemed appropriate for the public libraries in the regions, provinces, cities, and first class municipalities regardless of their population.

5. For libraries in municipalities lower than the first class, an initial book collection of 2,ooo volumes is recommended while the for barangay reading centers. 500 volumes is recommended.

6. Selection and acquisition of books and other library materials shall rest on the librarian with the assistance of her professional staff. Materials for acquisition recommendations by the library clientel shall be considered,

7. A provision for at least 10% annual increase of the collection must be provided each of any public library category.

STANDARD 6.

PHYSICAL FACILITIES

Building 1. Site

a. The library shall be centrally located within the community. It shall have provision for expansion for future growth;b. The library shall be accessible to all library users by all means of transportation;

c. In the development plan of the local government unit, the library shall be a component of an integrated cultural complex;d. The building shall provide access to physically disabled individuals.

2. Size a. Size of the public library shall

consider the following; community population; the growing library collection; size of library staff and services to be rendered.

b. Each library shall provide adequate space for reading areas; stack area; work room; multimedia room; storage room; staff lounge; toilets for the library staff and for the public; and space for the other facilities.

c. Provision shall be made for a minimum seating capacity of 48-60 people at any one time for regional , provincial, city, and first class municipal libraries and at least 12-24 for barangay reading centers.

d. Equipment and furniture shall be adequate to generate an environment conducive for the pleasant and effective use of the materials and services.

e. furniture shall be functional and in harmony with the architecture of the building.

f. Equipment shall be selected properly in such away that they will help in the efficient operation of the library to keep abreast withthe time.

g. Layout of equipment and furniture shall allow the smooth mobility of readers and materials.

STANDARD 7.

LIBRARY SERVICES

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

2. The library shall reflect and answer the library and information needs of community.

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

4. The library shall provide materials for the wholesome development of the community regardless of age, creed, religion, and cultural affiliation.

5. The library shall organize and maintain local historical and cultural materials for preservation and conservation.

6. The library shall observe library hours for the 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:

Reference and research services Circulation of books for home use Organization and maintenance of a

children’s section Reading guidance for choildren and

out-of-school youth