It seems that the answer to my question on whether "PRC is Allowing Non-BLIS, Non-MLIS to Take Exam?" is No. Then again, it looks like there is still some wiggle room. According to R.A. 9246, an applicant must be "a graduate of Bachelor’s degree in Library Science and Information Science (BLIS) [or] a holder of a master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS)."
The reply below, however, indicates that "equivalent" degrees, such as BSLS, MSLS, MALIS, and MALS are acceptable. If this is true, then it still looks like a back door to me because the law clearly states, for example, that degree holders in "Master of Arts in Library Science or Library and Information Science" (MALS and MALIS, respectively) can only take the exam within five years of the law's date of effectivity.
Anyway, maybe I'm just imagining things. Here's the reply from Board for Librarians chair Corazon Nera to a query sent by Fe Angela Verzosa:
Dear Angela:
Thank you for helping us answer queries about the licensure examination for librarians. Yes you are correct, that while we have issued guidelines in accepting and processing of applications to the PRC and the regional offices, all applications received must be forwarded to us for further evaluation and scrutiny. Hence, the final approval of who are qualified to take the board exam rests with the board and all applications whether qualified or not will bear the signatures of the three members to attest that they have really seen the application. As of this writing, we have not approved of any application because nothing has been forwarded to us yet.
Now, who may qualify to take the licensure examination for librarians on November 10-11, 2009?
1. graduates of bachelor's degree in library and information science (BLIS) or equivalent, BSLS
2. graduates of master's degree in library and information science (MLIS) or equivalent MSLS, MALIS, MALS
3. takers who failed in the previous years examination for librarians.
Candidates may take the test in Baguio City, Cebu City, Davao City, Legaspi City, Manila or Zamboanga City provided that there are at least 50 takers. We also regret to announce that we failed to get the extension needed to enable new graduates of BSE, BSED and AB majors in LIS to take the licensure examination at least for the last time. Thank you Angela and hoping that this will end all the confusions.
CORAZON M. NERA
Chairman
Board for Librarians / PRC
via PAARL yahoogroup
