In Service To Iowa: Public Library Standards
In Service To Iowa: Public Library Standards
In Service To Iowa: Public Library Standards
Public Library
Standards
Sixth Edition ● 2016 - Revised 10/25/18
www.StateLibraryofIowa.org
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards
800-248-4483
www.statelibraryofiowa.org
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards is supported by the Institute of Museum and
Library Services (ILMS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act
(LSTA) as administered by the State Library of Iowa.
Table of Contents
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 2
Introduction
The Standards and Accreditation Program exists to encourage the ongoing development of high quality
public library services in Iowa. In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards is the manual for the State Library
of Iowa’s standards program. It was first published in 1985 and was updated in 1989, 1997, 2004, 2010,
and now in 2016. Iowa’s voluntary public library standards program was established to give public libraries a
tool to identify strengths and areas for improvement. It is also used to document the condition of public
library service in Iowa, to distribute Direct State Aid funding, and to meet statutory requirements.
In 2015, the Iowa Commission of Libraries appointed the Public Library Standards Advisory Task Force to
revise In Service to Iowa. The Task Force in turn solicited feedback from the State Library Advisory Panel to
ensure that proposed standards meet the changing needs of Iowa’s public libraries. All task force members
support and stress the importance of the accreditation process and thank the Iowa public library community
for its assistance.
Trisha Hicks State Library of Iowa – North Central Office Library Resources Technician
Jet Kofoot State Library of Iowa – North Central Office Library Consultant
Nancy Medema State Library of Iowa – Des Moines Office Program Director
Alysia Peich State Library of Iowa – Des Moines Office Library Consultant
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How the Program Works
Every three years, each public library is asked to report its progress toward achieving accreditation
by completing the “Application Form for Accreditation and Direct State Aid Tier Level”
Each year the availability of the form is announced to public library directors by email
The library files a copy of the application form with the State Library
The library provides the documentation listed on the “Request for Supporting Documentation” form
to the State Library
Eligibility based on Iowa Code 256.57(4) and Iowa Administrative Code 286--3.2(2)
To participate in the Direct State Aid program a library must:
Be established by city ordinance or as a county library at least two years previous in accordance with
Iowa Code chapter 336. A copy of the ordinance must be on file at the State Library
Use Direct State Aid funds to improve library services
Use Direct State Aid funds to supplement, not supplant, any other funding received by the library
Participate in the Open Access and the Interlibrary Loan Reimbursement programs
Submit a completed annual survey for the most current fiscal year
Submit a completed Direct State Aid report for the most current fiscal year
Have a current accreditation application on file and meet the following standards
Tier 1 (29 Standards) 1-8, 12-14, 20-23, 29-30, 35-37, 47-51, 67, 78-80
To reach Tier 1 status the library must meet all 29 Tier 1 standards
Meet all standards marked as Tier 1-3 at the “Minimum required to meet standard” level or better
where applicable
Meet 20 of the remaining 38 standards
Submit the application form to the State Library by the posted due date of the reporting year, usually
the last day in February
Accreditation certificates are issued by the State Library in June of each year. Accreditation is valid for
three years.
Tier 0
A library unable to meet all Tier 1 requirements will be considered Tier 0 regardless of how many Tier 2 or
Tier 3 standards are met, and will not be eligible for Direct State Aid funding.
Audits
State Library staff will audit accreditation applications and supporting materials as needed.
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 4
New and changed standards
There have been many changes to the standards since the previous edition of “In Service to Iowa.”
Standards that have been added or changed since the last edition are marked in red.
As administrative boards, Iowa public library boards typically have the power to:
Critical to a progressive and successful library is an active, well-informed library board. Equally important is
the relationship between the board and the library director, a relationship of mutual respect and honest
communication. Both must clearly understand their roles and responsibilities. The library board must
understand their role in library governance, exercise their authority by state and local statute, and accept
their responsibility for overseeing library operations.
1. (Tier 1) A legally appointed and constituted library board governs the operation of the library.
2. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library board or other authority as defined by ordinance:
4. (Tier 1) The library is funded by its city on a permanent basis. Data from the Iowa Department of
Management will be used to audit this standard.
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5. (Tier 1) The library board has written bylaws that outline its operational procedures. These bylaws are
reviewed at least every three years.
Bylaws are rules written and adopted by a library board for operating its own meetings or affairs. Since
the library ordinance is the law that covers the governance of the library, the bylaws must be consistent
with the ordinance and not more restrictive. The library board establishes procedures for amending and
changing the bylaws. Bylaws are changed according to the procedure stated in the bylaws themselves.
Rules typically found in bylaws include:
6. (Tier 1) The library board meets no fewer than 10 times a year with the library director or designee in
attendance. Meetings are set at a time and place convenient for the board, library staff, and the
community and in accordance with the state’s open meetings law.
7. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library board adopts four required written policies – circulation,
collection development, personnel, and Internet use. Required policies are reviewed at least every three
years. All policies are available to all staff members and for public inspection. If a union contract or your
city defines the library’s personnel policy, the library board must be aware of the details of the policy and
must review the policy at least every three years.
Required: The library’s adopted circulation policy is consistent with the principles of the right to
privacy and the Code of Iowa 22.7 (13) Confidential records. To find the full text of the code visit
our website at: http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/a-b/accr-and-
standards/accredsupp/iowaconfidentialitycode
Required: The library’s adopted collection development policy is consistent with principles of
intellectual freedom as found in such documents as the U.S. Constitution, the American Library
Association Intellectual Freedom Manual, and the Iowa Library Association Intellectual Freedom
Resource Guide.
PLEASE NOTE: Federal appellate courts have extended library patrons’ rights to privacy to also cover
information sought or received and resources consulted, borrowed, acquired or transmitted. This information
includes, but is not limited to, database search records, reference questions and interviews, interlibrary loan
records, information about materials downloaded or placed on ‘hold’ or ‘reserve,’ and other personally-
identifiable information about uses of library materials, programs, facilities, or services. (See the American
Library Association’s “Privacy: An Interpretation of the Library Bill of Rights.”)
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The following list gives suggested content for each required policy. Items listed under each required policy
are suggestions only; they are not all required to meet this standard.
A. Circulation (Required)
Cataloging, maintenance
Community and clientele descriptions
Evaluation of collection
Gifts and donations including requests for appraisals; disposal of unwanted donations
Challenges
Purchase and withdrawal of materials
Purpose of collection
Selection criteria and procedures
Staff responsibilities
C. Personnel (Required)
Benefits
Family and Medical Leave Act
Insurance
Retirement plan
Travel expenses
Vacations and leaves
Worker's compensation
Personnel Procedures
Appointment
Disciplinary procedures
Grievance procedure
Performance evaluation
Personnel records
Promotions and demotions
Recruitment
Resignation and dismissals
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Retirement
Staff development and training
Staff dress code
Staff on-the-job conduct
Vacancies
Salaries and Position Classifications
Job descriptions
Organization chart
Salary schedules and information
Confidentiality of records
Privacy of users with respect to public terminals
Prohibit downloading of illegal materials such as child pornography
Prohibit the display of pornography where it may be seen by children (consistent with any applicable
state or local law)
Rules of use
The State Library has sample policies on its website, http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/ld/k-p/Policies. The
library’s district office staff can assist in locating sample policies.
8. (Tier 1 ) (CHANGED TIER) All members of the library board of trustees participate in a variety of board
development training each year. The recommended average is three to five hours per year per trustee.
Examples of board development training opportunities include:
9. The library board has additional written policies, as deemed appropriate for the library, and reviews them
at least every three years. All policies are available to all staff members and for public inspection.
Check any additional policies adopted. Do not report the four policies listed in standard #7 above. At
least two additional policies are required to meet this standard:
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 8
□ Library foundation
□ Meeting rooms
□ Proctoring
□ Programs for youth and adults
□ Public access computers
□ Public relations
□ Reference and readers’ advisory services
□ Sex offender
□ Tablet checkout
□ Unattended children
□ Volunteers
□ Wireless use
□ Other policies (List no more than two)__________________________________________________
10. The library receives permanent and equitable funding for services to rural residents from the county (if
not the establishing jurisdiction). This standard does not apply to city libraries in counties where there is
a county library. Use the following guidelines to help determine equitable funding:
The library’s city per capita or cents per thousand funding levels
An average of similar sized towns’ funding levels for library service
An average of similar counties based on assessed value
The minimum amount required for county funding of public libraries, as set by the Code of Iowa
256.69 is 6.75 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation of the rural portions of the
county
To determine per capita or cents per thousand support amounts, refer to the Rural Library Funding table on
the State Library’s website at http://www.statelibraryofiowa.org/go/rurallibfun.
To meet this standard, the library’s county must support libraries at the rates listed below. Minimum,
enhanced, or outstanding rates can be used.
Minimum required to
Based on 2016 data Outstanding Enhanced
meet standard
County rural per capita
$24.75 per capita $14.00 per capita $9.50 per capita
support
County support 17 cents per
23 cents per 10 cents per thousand
per assessed valuation thousand thousand
11. (NEW) The library trustees attend county-wide trustee meetings, which should occur at least once per
year.
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Section 2: Library Management
Public libraries are administered by a library director. The director is hired by and is responsible to the library
board or other governing body. The director is responsible for all the day-to-day operations of the library
including:
12. (Tier 1) The library director provides written financial and statistical reports for review at library board
meetings.
13. (Tier 1) The library follows statutory requirements as to fiscal year, audits, and budgeting, and submits
annual and other reports as requested by its funding authorities.
14. (Tier 1) The library director conducts an orientation program for new board members. Examples of board
orientation opportunities include:
15. (Tier 2) The library director shares information with the board about the following laws that affect library
operations. Guidance may be found in the latest Iowa Library Trustee’s Handbook.
16. (Tier 2) The library keeps its borrowers’ registrations up-to-date. Inactive registration records are
removed at least every three years. This removal may be done in one large batch, or in smaller, more
frequent deletions.
17. (Tier 2) (CHANGED TIER) The library has a written plan. A plan is a document that projects up to 5 years
into the future and outlines the library's goals and objectives to meet the community's needs. Developing
a plan usually involves the staff, the trustees, and the public. To meet this standard, the plan must:
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 10
There are many resources available to assist a library’s planning process. Examples include:
18. The library director informs the board of pending library legislation on the local, state, and national levels
to enable board members and staff to participate in the legislative process. Examples include attending
Iowa Library Association Legislative Day or contacting legislators on library issues.
19. (NEW) The library director attends county-wide directors’ meetings, which should occur at least once per
year.
Providing high quality library service is demanding. Public librarians must be able to:
20. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD)The library has a permanent, paid director who is certified at a required
level. A new director has two years after starting as director to become certified. A library with a director
who was certified at ANY level prior to 1992 fulfills this standard for as long as
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State Library of Iowa Certification Levels
Level I
High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
Completion of Public Library Management 1 and 2
Level II
High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
Completion of Public Library Management 1 and 2
Five years of library work experience or 30 semester hours of college credit from an accredited
college or university
Level III
High school diploma or General Educational Development (GED)
Completion of Public Library Management 1 and 2
10 years of library work experience or 60 semester hours of college credit from an accredited
college or university
Level IV
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
Completion of Public Library Management 1 and 2
Level V
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
A college credit course in each of these four areas: library administration; selection of all types of
library materials; organization of library materials; reference and information services
Level VI
Graduate degree in library or information science from an American Library Association (ALA)
accredited program
21. (Tier 1) (CHANGED TIER) The library has written job descriptions that include educational and experience
requirements. A written salary range for each position is recommended, but not required. It is
recommended, but not required, that the library’s job descriptions and salary range are included in the
city’s personnel plan.
22. (Tier 1) (CHANGED TIER) The library director’s performance is evaluated by the board at least annually.
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23. (Tier 1) (CHANGED TIER) The library allows the director to participate in continuing education
opportunities during their work time. Some examples of these CE activities are:
(NOTE: These can also be used to receive CE credit from the State Library’s certification program.)
24. (Tier 2) The library employs paid staff as listed in the chart below. Number of hours per week and FTE
(Full Time Equivalents) are given. Either figure can be given to meet the standard.
40 hours per week is set as the measure of full-time employment. To determine full time equivalents of
employees take the total number of hours worked by all paid employees and divide by 40. For example,
a library with 70 hours of paid employees is considered to have 1.75 FTE.
25. (Tier 3) The library has a planned orientation program for all new employees. The orientation program
introduces employees to the mission, philosophy, goals and services of the library in addition to their job
responsibilities.
26. Other library employees are evaluated annually by the director or supervisor.
27. The library provides funding to enable the director and/or staff to join library professional organizations,
attend library related conferences, or take advantage of CE opportunities.
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28. (NEW) The library allows staff at all levels (other than director) to participate in continuing education
opportunities during their work time. Some examples of these CE activities are:
(NOTE: These can also be used to receive CE credit from the State Library’s certification program.)
Building a collection involves a studied approach to the selection, maintenance, development, and
evaluation of the library’s materials. Equally important is the library’s stance on intellectual freedom and the
policy position it takes when library materials are challenged.
The need of the community served is the driving force behind collection management. Collection
development includes planning, selecting, and building collections in all formats needed by the community.
Collection evaluation is the continuous process of analyzing use, age, condition, timeliness, and coverage of
materials.
The library maintains a current, thoroughly evaluated collection appropriate to the library’s mission.
29. (Tier 1) The library determines its total annual circulation of library materials. Circulation is an important
factor in determining how much a library is being used. Circulation can be used for comparison purposes
with other libraries, or it can be used to evaluate a specific collection or library service. Examples of
statistical calculations using circulation are:
30. (Tier 1) (CHANGED TIER) The library provides access to current local, county, and/or regional news
sources. Examples include:
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31. (Tier 3) Every item in the library's collection is evaluated for retention, replacement, or withdrawal on a
regular basis to determine its usefulness according to the library's collection development policy. On
average, three percent or more of the collection is withdrawn each year. An average based on the last
three years of withdrawals will be used to determine this standard.
To determine the percentage withdrawn, use the number of items withdrawn for any reason including
weeding, replacements, damage, etc. Divide the number of items withdrawn by the total number of items
held at the BEGINNING of the year.
Example
% withdrawn Year 1 (A) 3%
% withdrawn Year 2 (B) 5%
% withdrawn Year 3 (C) 4%
Total withdrawn (A+B+C) (3%+5%+4%) = 12%
Average of 3 years (Total divided by 3) 12%÷3 = 4%
32. (Tier 3) The library purchases or adds materials at regular intervals throughout the year to ensure a
steady flow of new materials. On average, three percent or more of the collection is added each year. An
average based on the last three years of additions will be used to determine this standard. Report all
items added regardless of funding source. Include donated items.
To determine the percentage added, use the number of items added for any reason. Divide the number
of items added by the total number of items held at the BEGINNING of the year.
Example
% added Year 1 (A) 3%
% added Year 2 (B) 5%
% added Year 3 (C) 4%
Total Added (A+B+C) (3%+5%+4%) = 12%
Average of 3 years (Total divided 3) 12%÷3 = 4%
33. The library provides materials in formats appropriate to the needs of special population groups found in
the community. Examples include:
34. (NEW) The library provides non-traditional physical collections for check out. Examples include:
Cake pans
Art prints
Tablets
Wireless hotspots
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Section 5: Library Access – Virtual Spaces
Technology and the Internet continue to change the face of our public libraries. They have changed the way
the world does business, the way students do homework, and the way we communicate. Libraries continue
to be the only access some Iowans have to the Internet. Libraries are often the only place offering assistance
in finding, evaluating, and using information available through the Internet.
35. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library offers public access Internet-enabled devices and staff
trained in their use. Public access devices are located in a public area and designated exclusively for
public use. Examples include:
36. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library counts the total number of public use of Internet-enabled
devices in the library. If the device is used for multiple purposes and Internet use cannot be isolated,
report all use. A typical week or other reliable estimate may be used to determine the number. If a week
is used to count, multiply by 52 to determine the annual number. Do not count the use of wireless by
customers with their own devices. Only count use of library owned, public use, Internet-enabled devices.
37. (Tier 1) (NEW) The library provides a printer for public use. The printer may be a shared staff/public
device.
38. (Tier 2) (CHANGED TIER) The library provides wireless Internet access for its customers.
39. (Tier 3) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library maintains a current website. To meet this standard, the
website MUST include, at a minimum, access to the library’s online catalog, information about the
library, and links to local, state, or national resources. A social media page on a site such as Facebook
does NOT meet this standard.
41. The library sets aside a separate computer location for use by children and/or young adults.
42. The library provides computer and/or Internet training for its customers.
43. (NEW) The library has access to broadband Internet access. Broadband Internet is defined by the FCC as
25 Megabits per second (Mbps) download speed and 3 Mbps upload.
44. (NEW) The library provides access to and promotes online database products. Database products are
used to do research on a wide variety of topics including genealogy, finances, homework help, job
seekers help, and many others. Examples include:
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45. (NEW) The library provides access to and promotes a downloadable materials collection. Examples
include:
E-Books
Downloadable audio or video
NOTE: A library belonging to the Bridges consortium would meet this standard
46. (NEW) The library provides access to digitized local collections. To meet the standard, the library can
either digitize the collection or contract with another entity that has digitized the collection. Examples
include:
Local newspapers
Photographic collections
Cemetery records
47. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library has a telephone with voice mail capability that announces
current hours, holidays, and other non-scheduled closures.
49. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) Library hours are posted and fixed based on users' and potential users'
available time. This standard is based on a typical week, one in which the library is open regular hours
with no holidays. A typical week does not include summer hours.
To satisfy this standard the library must be open a minimum of 10 hours per week and at least one hour
during each of the following times:
Branches: Library systems with branches in the same jurisdiction may use all locations to meet the
standard. For example, only one branch needs to be open in the morning to meet the standard.
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50. (Tier 1) The library provides reference and readers’ advisory service to residents of all ages. Services are
provided in person, by telephone, or electronically, during all hours the library is open. The library must
be committed to providing information that is complete, accurate, and delivered when the user needs it.
The role of reference services is to connect people with the information they need when they need it.
Reference staff assists users by:
The role of readers’ advisory services is to help users select materials for reading, viewing, and listening.
51. (Tier 1) (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library has a current and maintained catalog of its holdings that is
easy to use and independently accessible by the public. This ensures the confidentiality of the
customer’s inquiry. A catalog that is only accessible by staff will not meet this standard. Access to the
SILO Locator does not meet this standard. In order to meet this standard, the catalog must include a way
to search the library’s collection by all of the methods listed below:
Author
Title
Subject
Note: Each item in the catalog must also have a call number or some other means to locate the item.
52. (Tier 2) (NEW) The library has a current and maintained ONLINE catalog of its holdings that is easy to
use and independently accessible by the public. This ensures the confidentiality of customers’ inquiries.
A catalog that is only accessible by staff will not meet this standard. Access to the SILO locator does not
meet this standard. Libraries that meet this standard automatically meet standard #51. In order to meet
this standard, the ONLINE catalog must include a way to search the library’s collection by all of the
methods listed below:
Author
Title
Subject
Note: Each item in the catalog must also have a call number or some other means to locate the item.
53. (Tier 2) The library provides interlibrary loan services to customers of all ages. The library submits its
holdings information to shared databases (such as OCLC or SILO) and participates as a lender and a
borrower.
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54. (Tier 2) Minimum days and hours of service are in compliance with the chart below. This standard is
based on a typical week, one in which the library is open regular hours with no holidays. A typical week
does not include summer hours.
Branches: Library systems with branches may use the non-duplicated branch hours of branches within
the same jurisdiction to meet the standard. For example, if the main library is open 9am to 7pm, and a
branch is open 12 pm to 9pm, the library system is considered to provide service from 9am to 9pm.
55. (Tier 2) The library has allocated space for child and family use with all materials readily available and
provides furniture designed for children's use.
56. (Tier 3) (NEW) The library's ONLINE catalog is REMOTELY available to users. Access to the SILO locator
does not meet this standard. Libraries that meet this standard also meet standards #51 and #52. In
order to meet this standard, the REMOTELY accessible ONLINE catalog must include a way to search the
library’s collection by all of the methods listed below:
Author
Title
Subject
Note: Each item in the catalog must also have a call number or some other means to locate the item.
57. (Tier 3) (CHANGED TIER) All the library’s services are available when the library is open. Examples of
services that should be provided at all times include but are not limited to:
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58. Residents of the community have free access to tax-supported public library services.
FREE ACCESS: A library providing free access charges no fees for services, equipment, or materials that
are part of the collection. Examples of providing free access include
No charges for books including book rental programs
No charges for interlibrary loans except for postage reimbursement charges
No charges for meeting room use
No charges for reserves
No charges for videos, art prints, AV equipment
A library providing free access may charge fees, fines, or deposits for any products meant for customer
consumption. Examples of acceptable charges include
Interlibrary loan postage reimbursement charges as outlined by the State Library’s ILL
reimbursement program
Items that customers pay for and keep such as photocopies, printouts, and computer supplies
Overdue fines and penalties
Refundable damage deposits and damage penalties for room or equipment use
59. The library provides the necessary equipment to use any audiovisual materials in the library’s collection.
This allows a user without the appropriate equipment to make full use of the library’s materials while in
the library.
60. (ENHANCED STANDARD) The library provides inside directional signs. The library provides outdoor signs
that identify the building as a public library including the library’s service hours.
61. The library provides trained staff who are knowledgeable about reference and readers’ advisory print and
electronic resources and who are able to assist customers of all ages during all open hours. Note: The
library does not need to have reference librarians to meet this standard, but existing staff are trained in
the use of reference resources.
62. The building has public meeting space available for library programming and for use by other community
groups. The meeting space should be a separate room to meet this standard.
63. (NEW) The library allocates space and furniture for young adults with all materials readily available.
64. (NEW) The library has a makerspace. Makerspaces are creative DIY spaces where library customers can
gather to create, invent, and learn. A makerspace can be as simple as a cart or backpack filled with craft
supplies, or it can be a dedicated room filled with sophisticated equipment. Examples of items included
in a makerspace:
65. (NEW) The library provides self-service or other kinds of automated equipment used to increase
efficiency. Examples include:
Self-checks
Video check out kiosks
Automated materials return system
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66. (NEW) The library allows patrons to make payments (for fines, fees, donations, etc.) using debit or credit
cards.
The library offers educational, recreational, informational, and cultural programming sponsored by the
library, or in conjunction with other community organizations. Programming is used to help attract new users
to the library, to increase awareness of library services, to educate the public, and to provide a neutral public
forum for the debate of issues. The needs of the community may require outreach efforts off site.
Community relations efforts help to communicate a positive image of the library. These efforts promote the
library's materials, services, and programs. A public library integrates an active community relations program
into its plan. The library board and director evaluate all policies and procedures in terms of their effect on
the public and on the library's community relations.
67. (Tier 1) The library provides a summer reading program for children they serve, or cooperates with other
libraries or agencies to provide the program. A library that participates in the State Library’s Summer
Library Program meets this standard. Children are defined as persons 11 years of age or younger.
68. (Tier 2) The library provides free programming for library customers or cooperates with other agencies to
provide the programming. The library considers the following factors when planning and evaluating
programs:
Availability of programming through the community's other social, cultural, and recreational
organizations
Local interest
Population mix (age, gender, race, etc.)
Population's level of education
The library’s mission and goals
69. (Tier 2) The library promotes its collections and services by using a variety of approaches to publicity. To
meet this standard check at least four items.
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70. (Tier 2) (CHANGED TIER) The library develops community relations by regularly communicating with
elected officials, business leaders, and civic organizations. To meet this standard check at least two
items.
□ Attend city council meetings other than when making a budget request
□ Give presentations to community groups and organizations
□ Invite city council to meet in the library
□ Participate in community organizations and activities
□ Serve as a bridge to bring different types of people together
□ Regularly assess community assets and needs
□ Include local leaders in library planning
□ Participate in city planning
□ Other
71. The library offers outreach services. Outreach service includes collections and programming provided at
other community locations. Examples of outreach locations are:
Adult daycares
Daycares – including commercial, in-home, or Head Start
Mental health facilities
Nursing homes
Prisons and jails
Schools – public and private
72. The library provides children’s programming free of charge or cooperates with other agencies to provide
the programming. Providing a summer reading program only does not meet this standard. Children are
age 11 and younger for the purpose of this standard. Examples of children’s programming are:
73. The library provides young adult programming free of charge or cooperates with other agencies to
provide the programming. Young adults are age 12-18 for the purpose of this standard. Examples of
young adult programming are:
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 22
74. The library provides adult programming free of charge or cooperates with other agencies to provide the
programming. Adults are age 19 and older for the purpose of this standard. Examples of adult
programming are:
75. The library collaborates with other organizations, including agencies that serve special populations, to
improve library service. To meet this standard, indicate the agency(s) that you are working with and
briefly describe the collaboration. Examples include:
76. The library accepts requests for reserves for library materials from cardholders of all ages in person, by
telephone, or electronically (includes e-mail).
77. The library makes reasonable accommodations in order to provide access to its collections and services
to persons with disabilities. To meet this standard at least four items must be checked.
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 23
Section 8: Library Facility
The facility housing the library's services has a direct effect on access. The public library is a community-
gathering place that offers a compelling invitation to enter. A model library building is flexible enough to
respond to changing use and service patterns. The building accommodates growing collections in a variety of
formats. The building is designed for user efficiency and comfort to encourage extensive public use and for
staff efficiency.
78. (Tier 1) The library provides a book return available to the public 24/7. It is recommended that a book
return that is attached to the library or inside the building is fire retardant.
79. (Tier 1) The library determines the number of people who come into the library each year. (Also known as
door count)
80. (Tier 1) (CHANGED TIER) The library board and director shall review the ADA Checklist for Existing
Facilities at least every three years.
The purpose of the checklist is to help libraries determine the best methods for removing barriers to
access. Since this checklist does not include all of the 2010 ADA Standards, it is not intended to
determine compliance for new construction or facilities being altered. It is a method for raising
awareness of the issues. To meet this standard, the board and director should review at least one of the
priorities listed in the document at least every three years.
Your city or county building inspector is a good source of information about meeting the requirements of
the ADA. The Iowa Department of Public Safety's Building Code Office staff can also answer some basic
questions about ADA compliance. You can telephone staff at 515-725-6145 or e-mail them at
[email protected]. Detailed compliance information, as well as the number for the federal
compliance hotline, is available on the website for the U.S. Department of Justice at http://www.ada.gov.
81. The library provides adequate and convenient parking to the library’s customers on or adjacent to the
library’s site. One parking space is available for every 500 square feet of building.
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 24
82. The library provides adequate handicapped accessible parking spaces in compliance with the table
below. Spaces required by the table need not be provided in the particular lot. They may be provided in a
different location if equivalent or greater accessibility is ensured. Refer to chart below for guidance.
83. The library provides adequate public reader seating space. The following table is based on the
population of the city or county in which the library is located. The library should use the table below as a
guideline. If the library’s population falls between two categories, then the number of seats should be
adjusted accordingly. For example, if the town population is 15,000, then the number of seat per 1,000
population should be between 5 and 4.5. (Suggested guidelines taken from Public Library Space Needs:
A Planning Outline, 2009 by Anders C. Dahlgren.)
84. The library provides adequate space for the staff to work in a non-public area.
85. The library director completes and shares a written space needs assessment with the board. To meet
this standard, the assessment should be less than five years old. The assessment is based on the
following criteria:
Changes in access points, services, size of collection, types of materials, or staffing levels
mandated by the library's plan
Community study findings
Current space requirements
Space requirements resulting from implementation of the standards in this document
Use “Public Library Space Needs: A Planning Outline, 2009” by Anders C. Dahlgren as a
suggested guideline
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 25
Quick List of Standards
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 26
Tier 2 Standards (12)
15. Director provides board with information about library related laws (page 10)
16. Library keeps borrower registrations up to date (page 10)
17. Library has a written plan (page 10)
24. Library has paid staff (page 13)
38. Provides wireless access for the public (page 16)
52. Provides a current and maintained online public access catalog (page 18)
53. Participation as interlibrary loan borrower and lender (page 18)
54. Minimum number of days and hours of service (page 19)
55. Space for child and family use (page 19)
68. Free programming for customers of all ages (page 21)
69. Uses public relations methods (page 21)
70. Develops good community relations (page 22)
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 27
34. Library provides non-traditional physical collections (page 15)
40. Computer replacement schedule (page 16)
41. Separate computer location for children and/or young adults (page 16)
42. Computer/Internet training for public (page 16)
43. Library has access to broadband Internet (page 16)
44. Provides access to online databases (page 16)
45. Provides access to downloadable resources (page 17)
46. Provides access to digitized local collections (page 17)
58. Free access to tax supported public library services (page 20)
59. Provide equipment to play any audiovisual materials owned (page 20)
60. Directional signs indoors (page 20)
61. Library provides staff trained in reference and readers’ advisory service (page 20)
62. Public meeting space for library programming and other groups (page 20)
63. Space for young adults (page 20)
64. Library has a makerspace (page 20)
65. Provides self-service automation (page 20)
66. Library allows patrons to use credit cards (page 21)
71. Provides outreach services (page 22)
72. Provides free children’s programming (page 22)
73. Provides free young adult programming (page 22)
74. Provides free adult programming (page 23)
75. Collaboration with other community organizations to provide services (page 23)
76. Accepts requests for reserves for library materials (page 23)
77. Accommodates access to collections and services to persons with disabilities (page 23)
81. Adequate and convenient parking for library customers (page 24)
82. Adequate and convenient ADA accessible parking (page 25)
83. Adequate public seating (page 25)
84. Adequate staff workspace (page 25)
85. Space needs assessment (page 25)
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 28
Index
director · 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 21, 25
door count · 24
A Downloadable audio · 17
Downloadable video · 17
accessibility · 25
accreditation · 3, 4
accreditation certificates · 4 E
American Library Association · 6
annual survey · 4 E-Books · 17
audiovisual materials · 20 email · 17
audit · 4, 5 employees · 13
Enrich Iowa · 4
evaluation
B collection · 14, 15
director · 12
board · 5, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 21, 25 employee · 13
board development training · 8 expenditures · 5
board meetings · 6, 10
book return · 24
borrowers · 10 F
branches · 17, 19
budget · 5, 10, 14, 16 Fair Labor Standards Act · 10
bylaws · 6 Family and Medical Leave Act · 7
free access · 20
full time equivalents · 13
C funding · 3, 5, 13, 15
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 29
J R
job descriptions · 12 readers’ advisory · 9, 18, 20
reference · 18, 20
registration · 10
L reserves · 7, 23
laws · 10
legislation · 11 S
Legislative Day · 11
Library Bill of Rights · 6 salary range · 12
Library hours · 17 seating · 25
self-checks · 20
signs · 20
M SILO · 18, 19
Social networking · 21
makerspace · 20 space needs assessment · 25
meeting space · 20 staff · 5, 10, 13, 16, 20, 25
meetings · 6, 10 standard · 3, 4
mission statement · 10 Standard
Changed Tier · 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 19, 22
Enhanced · 5, 6, 11, 16, 17, 18, 20
New · 9, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
O State Library of Iowa · 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 20, 21
Summer Library Program · 21
OCLC · 18 summer reading program · 21, 22
online database · 16
Open Access · 4, 7
open meetings law · 6
ordinance · 5, 6
T
orientation · 10, 13, 22, 23
outreach · 21, 22 telephone · 17, 18
trustees · 9, 10
turnover rate · 14
P
parking · 24, 25
U
payments · 21
per capita · 9, 14 U.S. Code Title 29, Chapter 8 · 10
personnel · 5, 6, 7, 11 U.S. Constitution · 6
persons with disabilities · 23, 25 union · 6
plan · 5, 10, 12, 21, 22, 25
policies · 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 21
printer · 16 W
privacy · 6, 8
programming · 20, 21, 22, 23 webinars · 13, 14
public · 10 WebJunction · 8, 11
Public relations · 9, 21 website · 16, 21
publicity · 21 weeding · 7, 15
wireless · 16
Q
Y
quorum · 6
young adults · 16, 20, 22
In Service to Iowa: Public Library Standards, State Library of Iowa, 2016 Updated 10/25/2018 Page 30