Texas Public Library Standards

Finance Standards

In order to meet basic standards, each Texas public library will:

Receive funds on an ongoing basis as the basic funding structure of the library. Funds may be from city, county, taxing districts, other public funding entity, or 501(c)(3) corporation.
Develop ongoing financial resources to supplement local support, which might include grants, donations, endowments and various other funding methods.
Submit an annual library budget that addresses the needs of the community as reflected in the long-range plan.
Have fiscal procedures and financial management practices consistent with local government practices and state law.
Any library that is run by a governing board and is a designated 501(c)(3) corporation shall have an independent audit conducted every three years.
Allocate 10% of operating budget for library materials.
Allocate funds for staff continuing education direct costs.

In order to meet enhanced standards, each Texas public library will, in addition to meeting basic standards,:

Allocate 15% of operating budget for funding the library’s collection of materials.
Provide the minimum salary for a starting librarian’s position as reported by the Texas Library Association. The librarian shall hold a graduate degree in library and information studies from a university accredited by ALA.

In order to meet comprehensive standards, each Texas public library, will in addition to meeting enhanced standards,:

Allocate 20% of operating budget for funding the library’s collection of materials.
Provide the minimum salary for a starting librarian position as reported by the Texas Library Association. The librarian shall hold a graduate degree in library and information studies from a university accredited by ALA.