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Texas Public Library Standards

Appendix A: Local Implementation Checklist

Use as a check to compare how your library is doing against the public library standards. Mark each statement according to the following criteria.

[1] Achieved
[2] Working on
[3] Not yet begun
[4] Not applicable

ADMINISTRATION STANDARDS

1. The Library has:
a. a board that meets on a regular basis with a written set of bylaws. OR a formal mechanism for community input.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
b. one board or community member that is a current member in a professional library organization.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
c. an orientation and a handbook for the board or community group.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. a. The library has a written mission statement.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
b. The library has a written long-range plan.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
c. The library has a technology plan.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library has written policies and procedures for:
a. ADA compliance	[1] [2] [3] [4]
b. Circulation	[1] [2] [3] [4]
c. Collection Development/Materials Selection	[1] [2] [3] [4]
d. Copyright Compliance	[1] [2] [3] [4]
e. Emergencies and Safety	[1] [2] [3] [4]
f. Gifts and Special Collections	[1] [2] [3] [4]
g. Interlibrary Loan	[1] [2] [3] [4]
h. Internet and other technology issues	[1] [2] [3] [4]
i. Patron Complaints	[1] [2] [3] [4]
j. Personnel	[1] [2] [3] [4]
k. Privacy and Confidentiality	[1] [2] [3] [4]
l. Public Relations	[1] [2] [3] [4]
m. Public Service Hours	[1] [2] [3] [4]
n. Rules of Conduct for Library Users	[1] [2] [3] [4]
o. Records Retention Schedule consistent with Local Government Records Act	[1] [2] [3] [4]
p. Other policies and procedures as appropriate to the library’s mission, goals, and facility (e.g., Exhibits and Displays, Programming, Use of Meeting Rooms and Equipment).	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library periodically reviews policies and procedures.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library has a written and publicly posted copyright compliance procedure.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
6. The library reaches out in cooperation and collaboration with:
a. Other libraries	[1] [2] [3] [4]
b. Library organizations and consortia	[1] [2] [3] [4]
c. Education institutions	[1] [2] [3] [4]
d. City/county departments	[1] [2] [3] [4]
e. Social agencies	[1] [2] [3] [4]
f. Government agencies	[1] [2] [3] [4]
g. Business and industry	[1] [2] [3] [4]
h. Community-based organizations	[1] [2] [3] [4]
i. Volunteers and library advocates	[1] [2] [3] [4]
j. Media sources	[1] [2] [3] [4]
k. Electronic networks	[1] [2] [3] [4]
7. The library board sends members to continuing education workshop or system meeting.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
8. The library has completed a community analysis.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
9. The library has conducted a patron survey.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
10. The library has a Friends and/or Foundation 501(c)(3) group.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
11. The library director is a current member of a professional library organization.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

COLLECTION STANDARDS

1. The library provides an adequate number of materials as defined by the collection standards.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
a. The collection has ___________ items.
b. The collection has ___________ per capita.
2. The library’s collection is used by the community.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
a. The circulation per capita is ______________.
b. The collection turnover rate is ____________.
3. The library maintains a current collection.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
a. The percentage of the collection less than 5 years old is ____________%.
b. The entire collection is weeded every _______ years.
4. The library provides access to electronic resources
a. Internet	[1] [2] [3] [4]
b. Full-text databases	[1] [2] [3] [4]
c. Licensed full-text databases (paid locally)	[1] [2] [3] [4]
d. Remote access to full-text database	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library provides a core reference collection as described in Selecting and Using a Core Reference Collection.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
6. The library provides interlibrary loan services.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
7. The library provides local history materials.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
8. The library digitizes local history materials.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

FACILITY STANDARDS

1. The library complies with federal, state and local building codes, including ADA and TABA.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. The library is accessible to individuals with special needs.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library has an emergency manual.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library has a disaster plan.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library has a plan and budget for the maintenance of the building and grounds.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
6. The library has convenient and adequate parking based on applicable building codes and anticipated usage.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
7. The library has an exterior sign identifying it as a library and is clearly visible from the street.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
8. The library features well-designed signs and graphics including the display of International Symbol of Accessibility, where appropriate.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
9. The library incorporates changes to existing and future libraries to move toward sustainable buildings.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
10. The library has adequate provision for current and future electrical, data, and telephone connections.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
11. The library has controlled temperature and humidity for the benefit of staff and users as well as the protection of library materials.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
12. The library has adequate interior lighting in all areas.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
13. The library has a fireproof receptacle for return of library materials after hours in a safe, well-lit area.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
14. The library provides adequate space to meet its service operation and storage needs.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
15. The library has adequate noise control.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
16. The library has a meeting room used for library programming and for use by community groups, if such is a part of the library’s plan.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
17. The Library receives input from stakeholders on location, design, and accessibility.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
17. The library reviews space needs assessment every five years.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

FINANCE STANDARDS

1. The library submits an annual budget.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. Libraries that are run by a governing board have an independent audit conducted every three years.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library allocates __% of the operating budget for library materials.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library allocates funds for staff continuing education.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library provides the minimum salary for a starting librarian’s position as reported by the Texas Library Association.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

MARKETING/PUBLIC RELATIONS STANDARDS

1. The library designs and funds a public relations program using community appropriate approaches to publicity.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. The library uses visually appealing printed and electronic materials, signage and graphics.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library evaluates the public image of library services, staff and programming through surveys.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library evaluates all policies and procedures in terms of the effect on the public and the library’s public relations.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library targets and meets needs of special groups within the community.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

ADVOCACY STANDARDS

1. The library develops and educates stakeholders to become advocates.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. Advocates create and nurture relationships with elected officials.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. Elected officials are invited to library events.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library is represented at events, hearings, and programs elected officials attend.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. A communication plan is designed to keep community members, library supporters and advocates informed on legislation affecting libraries.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

PERSONNEL STANDARDS

1. The library director fulfills the education requirements.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. The library has an adequate number of staff.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library has an adequate number of MLS staff.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library director receives the minimum amount of training annually.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The staff attends continuing education training annually.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

SERVICE STANDARDS

1. The library provides all basic services whenever the library is open to the public.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. The library is accessible to individuals with special needs.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
3. The library has a minimum of 2 Internet-accessible computers.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
4. The library has Internet access for staff.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
5. The library has an online catalog of holdings.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
6. The library has a copy machine for administrative and public use.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
7. The library has a telephone and fax machine for administrative use.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
8. The library has a system for reserving circulating books.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
9. The library has day time and either evening or weekend hours.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
10. The library meets the number of hours open as stated in the standards.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
11. The library has a website.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
12. The library provides telephone reference service to all callers for all hours the library is open.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
13. The library provides information in instruction in the use of the library and its materials and equipment.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
14. The library provides reference service via e-mail or fax.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
15. The library presents educational, cultural, and recreational programs that reflect community needs and interests.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
16. The library provides children’s programming.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
17. The library provides outreach services.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS

1. The library provides an adequate number of computers for population served.	[1] [2] [3] [4]
2. The library is consistently considering technological enhancements to current services.	[1] [2] [3] [4]

Technology Standards | Appendix B

Texas Public Library Standards Table of Contents

Texas Public Library Standards Main Page

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