The document discusses the governance, services, and operations of public libraries. It explains that public libraries are established and funded by local governments to serve their constituents. They provide educational, informational, and recreational resources to all members of the community. Public libraries are governed by local boards and offer services like lending materials, children's programming, and electronic resources. Maintaining adequate funding and collections are important to ensure public libraries can fulfill their role of serving the information needs of the community.

2. 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

3. Topic:
• Governance of Public Libraries
• Provincial
• Municipal
• City
• Barangay

4. Lesson outline:
1. Introduction
2. Lesson Proper
3. Evaluation
4. References

5. •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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. EDUCATION
o 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.

11. 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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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

21. ARTICLE IX: Memorandum of Agreement
ARTICLE X: Library Board and Friends of the
Library
ARTICLE XI: Inter-Agency Committee
ARTICLE XII: Effectivity

22. FUNDING
o Adequate 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.

23. 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

24. 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.

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.

30. 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

31. 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
services
community information services
 user education including support for literacy
programmes
 programming and events

32. 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

33. d. Services for adults
olifelong learning
oleisure time interests
oinformation needs
ocommunity & cultural activities
orecreational reading

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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

38. 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.

39. 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.

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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.

43.  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

44. 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.

46. 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

47. 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.

48. 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.

49. 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.

50. 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.

51. 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.

52. 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.

53. READER’S SERVICES
1. 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.

54. 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.

55. 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