Professional Regulation Commission of the Republic of the Philippines

Code of Ethics
for Registered Librarians

Approved by the Professional Regulation Commission of the Republic of the Philippines in the City of Manila the 14th of August, 1992 (Resolution No. 02 8 1992)

Preamble

Librarians are imbued with lofty ideals of service to people through books and other records of knowledge, a service they believe is their best way to serve humanity, enrich people's lives and attain self actualization.

Through the years the profession of librarianship has developed, and a codification of ideal practices and relationship has become necessary to guide the practitioner in maintaining standards of ethical behavior in his relation with state and society, with clients, with profession and colleagues, with agency, and with oneself.

Art. I Relation with State and Society

  1. Librarians should recognize and respect the supreme authority of the State as expressed through its laws and implemented by its agencies.
  2. Librarians should always observe that the well-being of the public and interest of the State are above the well-being and interest of any individual.
  3. Librarians should get involved in civic affairs and cooperate with other organizations to promote the growth and development of the community.

Art. II Relation with Clients

  1. Librarians should remain true to the people they serve. They must act with dignity, fairness, justice, sincerity and genuine willingness in the discharge of their duties. They should refrain from doing acts contrary to laws, morals, customs and public interest.
  2. Librarians should provide the highest level of service through courteous, prompt, adequate, skillful, accurate and unbiased responses to all requests for assistance.
  3. Librarians should keep in confidence information that has been obtained in the course of professional service except when disclosure to the appropriate authority is clearly in the public interest.
  4. Librarians should not discriminate against any library user. They should always make known to the public the resources and services of the library.

Art. III Relation with profession and Colleagues

  1. Librarians should regard their profession as a public trust and at all times uphold the integrity and dignity of the profession and protect it from misrepresentation.
  2. Librarians should not directly or indirectly assist in the unauthorized practice of librarianship. They should report any violation of any provision of existing laws, rules and regulations, the Code of Ethics for Registered Librarians and other laws affecting the practice of librarianship to the Board for Librarians for proper action.
  3. Librarians should exchange information with their fellow librarians, contribute to the work of library associations and library schools and cooperate in such other endeavors as to enhance the effectiveness of the library and information science profession.
  4. Librarians should observe punctuality in appointments, in the discharge of duties, in the fulfillment of contracts, and in any other relationship with clients, employees and employers.
  5. Librarians should avoid situations in which personal interest might be served or financial benefits gained at the expense of library users, colleagues or the employing agency.
  6. Librarians should be guided in all their relations by the highest standards of honor and integrity and shall act with fairness and impartiality to all.
  7. Librarians should keep their reputation above reproach and should so conduct themselves to gain public esteem and respect for the library and the profession.
  8. Librarians should strive to improve, enhance and upgrade their professional knowledge through formal and informal means.
  9. Librarians should encourage and provide opportunities for the professional development and advancement of librarians in their employ.
  10. Librarians should perform and discharge their duties with the highest degree of professionalism, excellence, intelligence and skill.
  11. Librarians should not malign directly or indirectly the professional reputation, competence, capability, prospects or practice of another professional. They should not use any unfair means to gain professional advancement.
  12. Librarians should adhere to the principles of due process and equality of opportunity in peer relationships and personal actions.
  13. Librarians should distinguish clearly in their actions and statements between their personal philosophies and attitudes and those of an institution or professional body.
  14. Librarians should help to create and maintain conditions under which scholarship can exist like freedom of inquiry, of thought and of expression.
  15. Librarians should be receptive to new ideas, new knowledge and innovations that will contribute to the development of the profession.

Art. IV Relation with Agency

  1. Librarians should assist in the improvement of libraries and information systems.
  2. Librarians should be vigilant in the protection of all library property and resources.
  3. Librarians should resist all efforts by groups or individuals to censor library materials.
  4. Librarians should perform the functions of their office in good faith and to the best of their abilities, using reasonable skills and diligence, particularly where rights of individuals may be jeopardized by their neglect.
  5. Librarians should discharge their duties with promptness, punctuality and dispatch.

Art. V Relation to Oneself

  1. Librarians should not accept gifts or favors that might lead to unfair library practice, nor offer any favor, service or things of value to obtain special advantage.
  2. Librarians should not engage in any activity that would result in a conflict of interest. They should not enter into transactions prejudicial to the library and should not appropriate resources of the library for their personal gain.
  3. Librarians should be entitled to a just and fair compensation for services rendered. In the computation of such compensation, the period of time consumed, the knowledge, experience, ability and reputation brought into the plan/project, depreciation of materials/equipment used, if any, shall be taken into consideration. Every factor to be accorded such weight as shall be just and reasonable in each specific case.
  4. Librarians should refrain from associating with, or allowing the use of their names by any persons or organizations whose relationship therewith would cast a doubt on their integrity and reputation.

Art VI Effectivity of the Code

  1. The herein Code shall upon approval hereof by the Commission, take effect after three (3) months following its publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.
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