Philippine Librarians Association Inc (PLAI): 100 Years Strong

If you are a librarian or a library professional in the Philippines, there’s a 100% chance that you have heard of PLAI. For starters, active membership to PLAI is mandatory for license renewal for us librarians, so practically, there’s no escaping it.

More than a requirement for license renewal, though, the Philippine Librarians Association Inc. plays a major part in developing and professionalizing librarianship in the country. As the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization for librarians, it serves as the umbrella organization for various librarian groups in the country.

Thus, it unifies and regulates professional organizations and members from academic, school, public, and special libraries, to archives, museums, and more under its wings. As it celebrates its 100th-year foundation this October, let me share everything you need to know about PLAI.

PLAI: 100 Years Strong

The history of PLAI dates back to 1923 when six Filipino librarians trained in various institutions in the United States proposed establishing a library association with then-National Library director Dr. Trinidad H. Pardo De Tavera.

Their vision for an avenue to share ideas and practices about Philippine librarianship came to fruition on October 22, 1923, with the first conference of Philippine librarians and interested individuals. This led to the formation of the Philippine Library Association shortly after.

Over time, the association evolved and was officially registered as a non-stock, non-profit organization in the Securities and Exchange Commission. Eventually, for accreditation purposes, it became known by the name we know today: the Philippine Librarians Association Inc.

What PLAI Does

Confession time: I didn’t know that librarianship is an actual course before I was filling out my entrance exams form back in 2004. This is something I’m not ashamed to admit since we didn’t have a library at our public elementary school in Occidental Mindoro, and our high school library in Nueva Ecija was managed by our math teacher. I knew my older sister’s friend’s mom was our city librarian, but I had no interest in going to the city library as I was growing up. I know I share this experience with many if not most, Filipinos.

But that’s changing.

Because of PLAI, librarianship became a profession. Its efforts gave birth to Republic Act No. 9246, or The Philippine Librarianship Act of 2003, a law that modernizes and regulates the practice of librarianship in the country.

In short, because of PLAI, you must study library and information science, pass the board exams, and renew your license every three years if you want to be a librarian.

Faithful to its founding objectives, PLAI has been at the forefront of professionalizing library and information in the Philippines. It upholds high standards of public service for licensed librarians, promotes the establishment of libraries, and fosters ongoing programs for library education and research. The association also supports its members through research grants, scholarships, and travel opportunities, while encouraging continuous professional development.

PLAI also collaborates with government agencies such as the National Library of the Philippines and the National Book Development Board to promote reading, libraries, and books.

How To Join PLAI

Joining PLAI is relatively straightforward; any individual who passes the Librarians Licensure Examination automatically becomes a member upon registration and payment of a one-time membership fee. Once registered, librarians become part of their respective regional councils, where they actively participate in various activities to maintain good standing and renew their professional licenses.

PLAI National Conference

One of PLAI’s annual calendar highlights is its national conference, which occurs in various locations across the country. This event brings together librarians from diverse backgrounds, including academic, public, and specialized librarians, professionals from the book industry, culture sector, and reading advocates. The conferences offer engaging discussions and presentations, making them an enriching experience for attendees.

While PLAI’s efforts and initiatives have been commendable, some librarians in public schools have felt that PLAI conferences may not always align with their unique challenges and needs, making them intimidating and unrelatable.

(It’s me, hi, I’m some librarians in public schools, it’s me.)

Nonetheless, I am hopeful that PLAI will eventually become an advocate for our causes as well.

2023 PLAI Centennial National Conference

This year, PLAI will celebrate its remarkable centennial milestone with the theme “Paghanduraw kag Padayon: Heritage. Horizon. Harmony.” The PLAI Centennial National Congress is set to take place at the SMX Convention Center in Clark Field, Pampanga, from November 21 to 24, 2023.

As PLAI marks its 100th anniversary, I extend my warmest congratulations to this organization. Its impact on the library and information science profession in the Philippines is truly commendable.

Here’s to the next century of growth, progress, and success for PLAI, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

References:

• History of PLAI. Retrieved from https://plai.org.ph/plai/history-of-plai/
• https://ncrplai.wixsite.com/plai-ncr/about-plai