Public Library Accreditation
Guidelines for service were developed for Nebraska public libraries in order to "assist and support improvements in Nebraska public library services." (
Gearing up for the Twenty-first Century: Guidelines for Excellence, p. I) The purpose of the accreditation process is to establish expectations for governance, services, and resources for public libraries. The anticipated outcome is that Nebraska citizens will have access to accurate, quality library and information services from public libraries that meet statewide independent guidelines.
The Guidelines for Public Library Accreditation
are available here in PDF format.
For the Accreditation process, a library must submit responses to the guidelines
electronically using this online form.
To qualify as an Essential Accredited library, it is necessary to meet all of the twenty-six Essential Guidelines. To qualify for Enhanced Accreditation, a library must meet all twenty-six of the Essential Guidelines, and any eighteen of the Enhanced Guidelines. To qualify for Excellent Accreditation status, a library must meet all of the Essential and Enhanced Guidelines, and any fourteen of the Excellent Guidelines.
Application
notices are sent out in July, and responses are due at the Library Commission in September.
Libraries are notified of their Accreditation status in October. For more information, email
Richard Miller,
Director of Library Development, or call 402-471-3175 or
800-307-2665.
Accreditation Program History