National Library of the Philippines: How to Get Library Card

(SPOT.ph) Nestled in the heart of Manila, the National Library of the Philippines is arguably the country’s most vital repository of information, housing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, periodicals, and multimedia resources with a particular emphasis on Philippine-related materials.

Among its prized posessions are original copies of Jose Rizal’s Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, along with historical manuscripts like the Philippine Declaration of Independence and Lupang Hinirang. In total, the National Library of the Philippines (NLP) has over 1.6 million pieces in its collection.

Luckily for us, entrance is free at the NLP since 2016. You’ll only need to present one valid ID to get a stub to enter the library. 

Also read: OG Copies of Rizal's Subversive Books Are Now on Display at the National Library

National Library of the Philippines: How to get a Library Card or Reader’s ID 

Having a Reader’s ID isn’t required to enter the National Library, but it is a convenient option for those who have plans to frequent the NLP, especially since it counts for a lifetime membership. You’ll only need to show your Reader’s ID instead of getting a transaction stub for every visit.

Registration for a Reader's ID is located at the Ground Floor. Follow these steps:

1. Get a client transaction stub from the IT Division Front Desk
2. Present any valid ID
3. Fill out the online registration form
4. Proceed to the picture taking booth
5. Pay P100 to get a PVC version of the Reader's ID

Take note that only two books can be borrowed at a time, while access to rare books, manuscripts, and other special materials is restricted unless approved by the NLP Director.

Reading rooms are available from Mondays to Fridays at 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. except holidays.

Also read: 10 Must-Visit Libraries in Metro Manila

What to do at the National Library of the Philippines

The NLP is more than the usual library experience. Beyond its impressive collection of valuable resources, it is also offering services that can benefit authors, visitors, researchers, and publishers. Check it out below: 

Library tour

Interested in a more informed visit? The NLP is offering guided library tours for free, but it will only accept a maximum of 150 participants per session.

You’ll only need to submit a guided tour request to the Research and Publications Division at least three to five days before the intended day of visit.

1. Prepare a letter of request to NLP Director IV Cesar Gilbert Q. Adriano
2. Prepare a list of participants for the requested tour in a separate document
3. Accomplish the online form

Material reproduction

The NLP will only allow reproduction of certain materials onsite. However, these are still subject to copyright restrictions.

The fees for reproduction are the following:

• Photocopy - P1 per page
• Microform material print-out - P7 per copy
• Electronic material print-out - P5 per copy
• Digital reproduction - P150 per page of broadsheet / P30 per page of A4 and 38m. / Php50 per page of 34m. / P25 per disk of extra copy
• CD duplication of 700MB or less - P50
• DVD duplication of 4.7GB or less - P125

Copyright registration

Looking for copyright protection as an author or artist? You can have works protected under the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines at the NLP for only P200.

The following requirements need to be submitted if the copyright ownership is being claimed by the author:

1. Fill out the application form and the duly notarized affidavit
2. Copies of the work being registered as deposit. Whatever the material (books, artworks, musical compositions, photographic works, applied art, computer programs, etc.), have two copies of each work either printed or saved in a separate CD or USB flash drive
3. Two pieces of documentary stamps, which is worth P35 each
4. Pay the application fee of P200

The standard processing time is usually ten working days. For more information, email copyright@nlp.gov.ph.

ISBN, ISMN, and ISSN registration

International Standard Book Number (ISBN), International Standard Music Number (ISMN), and International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) are an internationally recognized system where a unique number is assigned to each material for precise identification for library cataloging.

By having an ISSN/ISMN/ISBN, creators can increase the visibility of their publications, making it easier for readers, researchers, and potential collaborators to find and access these works. Take note this is not the same as obtaining copyright ownership.

Any text-based work that is or will be available to the public can apply for an ISBN/ISMN/ISSN. This can be processed fully online, but it helps to be at the NLP for some guidance. Application is also free of charge.

Here's how to get an ISBN/ISMN/ISSN as a first-timer:

1. Get a National Book Development Board Certificate of Registration/Accreditation as publisher (for enterprises) or as an author (for own publication)
2. Create an account and wait for an email notification to create your password and login
3. Fill out the required information at the ISBN Information Sheet, which can be found at the "ISBN Application” menu
4. Submit a Title Page of the Book and Copyright Page (here’s a sample of the latter)

The standard processing time is usually one to two working days. For more information, email catalog@nlp.gov.ph.

The National Library of the Philippines is at T.M. Kalaw Street, Ermita, Manila. For more information, visit the official website.